Finley Day Two

So these pictures were actually taken one week ago.  Day two, day after Finley's surgery to drain as much of the infection from his shoulder as possible.  Here Finley is one happy guy because I visited and let him have his cone off while I was there.  He looks strikingly handsome in Momma Heidi's blue T don't you think?

Finny was pretty tired and worn out.  In case he wasn't worn out enough before I got there he and I played a rousing game of "Keep Finley from trying to pull out his drain tube".  That was exhausting.  He finally fell asleep with his head in my hands.  Unfortunately since I was the only one there (with my hands under Finley's head remember) I could not get a picture of that.  Not having mastered taking pictures with my feet yet and all....  Here are Finley's sad eyes though when I had to get ready to go.  Yep, try walking out on that face.  It sucks.  If we didn't have new kids arriving that day I'd likely still be there now....

And then I really had to go and Finley had to put his broken e collar back on.  Yep, he managed break his e collar within 12 hours.  Momma Heidi had to duct tape this one up so it was even more, um, unique.  We got him a new one.  He beat his own record breaking the new one in less than 8.

Princess aka Addie update

I can't say enough how much we love to get updates on our "kids".  It makes our day, bring sunshine when there is gray, it reminds us why we do what we do, it makes it easier to give up the next kid (although the giving up is never "easy").  I had a great experience this month with my foster puppy who we simply called The Princess, as that is what she is!  The Princess was just a few weeks old when she arrived at my house with her mom and siblings.  As I cared for her and watched her grow she just reminded me so much of another pipsqueak that I helped Momma Taschio raise, her baby Irene.  I couldn't get Irene out of my mind and I emailed her new family to say hi and sent them pictures of The Princess telling them that I just couldn't stop thinking about Irene so wanted to send a note.  Was I surprised to get a very excited email back very quickly.  They had been thinking about getting a sibling for Irene, now Lilia.  They were waiting for the right pup to come along and they thought the Princess was it.  I also couldn't have been more thrilled.  They are a great family and I know they adore Lilia and take great care of her.  A meeting was arranged and as soon as she was old enough The Princess became Addie and joined her new family.

I've had a few updates and Addie is doing great and Lilia has been a really great big sister.  The two are adorable together.

Here is the Princess when she first arrived.

Growing up...

Here she is now, Addie in her new home, so beautiful!

With big sister Lila, I LOVE this picture of the two of them trotting off together.  I feel so much better knowing my princess girl has Irene to watch over her  (besides her parents of course!)

Finley

Finley Finnegan Begin Again needs your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes.  Finley has not been feeling the best since he arrived here but we were unable to figure out exactly what was wrong.

Yesterday his shoulder ballooned to three times its normal size and x-rays revealed he had been shot and a pellet resides in his shoulder.  Massive infection had set in.  Dr. Melissa went to work quickly, sedated him and drained as much of the infection as possible.  A tube drain was inserted and Finley was started on strong antibiotics.  We are hoping for a speedy and thorough recovery for our sweet big guy.

Rahja update

Rahja arrived three weeks ago at just 2 pounds 2 ounces.  Now she weighs in at 5 pounds 2 ounces of spunk and spice.  She is hysterically funny, very brave if perhaps a bit foolhardy, trying hardest to play with my dog who likes puppies the least.  She is dedicated to the cause and I bet she gets her way very soon.

Rahja the night she arrived.

Rahja day one in foster care.

Rahja Christmas eve in the toy box.

 

Rahja Christmas Day.

Elijah Update

Elijah arrived just an itty bitty bundle.  He is now all legs and I think if you watched close enough you'd see him growing!  Three weeks ago he weighed in at 1 pound 13 ounces.  Now he is 5 pounds 13 ounces.  Four pounds in three weeks!

Elijah the night he arrived, a tiny baby.

Elijah two weeks later on 12/19/09, a handsome young man don't you think?

 Elijah on Christmas Eve, in the toy box!

Hamming it up for the camera.

 

On Christmas morning, wondering what I had in my hand (the presents!)

 

Azalea's first Christmas

I got the such a great update on one of my favorite former foster puppies:

We thought you might like to see and hear an update about Zaley - She is loving the snow and chasing the snowballs.  She is very attentive and so playful - always busy!  She is a  hoot to  play with.  She plays frequently with a handful of other dogs at the nearby field, chasing and even tug of war with kongs and rope toys.  She is feisty and engaging!  She is an essential part of the family.  I thought you might enjoy these pictures of her first Christmas.  

Look how happy she is!

What a pretty big girl now.

It makes me all misty and warm and fuzzy at the same time to see her now with a family of her own where she loves and is loved.

Elijah & Rahja's first Christmas!

Here are a few more shots of Elijah and Rahja on Christmas morning.