Meri is Free

America was scheduled, along with several other dogs, to be euthanized today at the Martinez shelter.  Her intake date was March 30, 2023, so if my math is correct, I believe today marked her 200th day there.  Imagine living in a 4'x4' kennel for over 6.5 months, surrounded by dogs when you're scared of dogs, with almost no human interaction on a daily basis and never seeing beyond the shelter's walls and immediate grounds.

But America is free now.  I pulled her and took her home today.  I'll be fostering her until I can find another long-term foster or adopter.

We were aware that Meri knew some basic commands from the time we spent with her during our field trip 3 weeks ago.  Quite by accident, we discovered then that she knew "down."  Not just knew it, but had it down pat.  My husband just happened to lower his arm while he was sitting on a chair, and Meri immediately laid down. 

Turns out she knows more basic commands.  Today, we discovered she knows "sit," "shake," "down," and "stay."

I noticed that Meri always chose to lay directly on the floor rather than on the dog bed.  I wondered whether she just liked the cooler floor, or if she just didn't know it was ok to lay on the dog bed.  She did finally lay on it once I laid down on it first.  After that, it was her go-to spot.

We also started crate-training today. But I think Meri was already crate-trained because while she had some hesitancy to enter the crate the first couple of times, she overcame that pretty quickly.  One time, I just pointed to the crate door and said "inside" and she just walked in.  Once she got comfortable on the dog bed that was outside of the crate, I moved it inside the crate and by nightfall, she just automatically went to the crate to lay down on that bed every time.  She's there right now, snoring as I type.

Another first today.  Meri's never shown any interest in toys.  Balls, stuffies, bones, or anything else.  Not even in the slightest.  I put that bear in the picture above next to her in the crate, and she wasn't interested -- until a few hours later when she put the bear between her paws and started chewing on it ever so gently.  It lasted less than a minute, but I was happy to see it.  Dogs don't get toys at the shelter, unless it's tennis balls or rope toys when they're out in one of the play pens for 10-15 minutes.  So Meri hasn't had a real toy of her own to play with in over 6 months.

Overall, it was a great first day.

America Needs a Home (American Bulldog / Boxer)

 

Meri is just about the gentlest, most docile, and trusting dog you'll ever meet. Her quiet, unassuming demeanor and loyal nature will pull at your heartstrings. She doesn't ask for much and isn't pushy at all. She's content to simply be by your side. She'll follow you around the house, lay her head against your lap, gaze at you adoringly with her tail gently wagging, and give you soft kisses. She is the epitome of a faithful, devoted companion.

Meri lived at the county shelter for over 6 months and was a volunteer favorite with her soft sweetness.  How she survived in such harsh conditions with her ability to love unscathed speaks volumes about her temperament.  As a large, black dog, she was easily overlooked by adopters. But those who spent even a little time with her could see what a rare gem this girl is.

Meri is crate-trained, rides calmly in the car, walks well on leash, knows commands such as "sit," "down," "shake" and "stay," and is sensitive to verbal correction.

Meri is a mellow, calm and well-behaved girl in the house.  She has virtually no bad habits to speak of -- doesn't beg for food, waits nicely to enter a doorway, takes treats gently, isn't mouthy, whiny or a nuisance barker.  She is very gentle and "soft" and never pushy.   She adores people and greets everybody who comes to the house with gentle affection. 

 

Meri has only had 2 accidents in the 4 weeks we've had her.  Given how long she was trapped in a kennel at the shelter, with nobody to take her outside regularly, it may take some time for her to become familiar with a new routine.  She also has a fear of baths and water nozzles, something we believe developed while at the shelter, so we towel wipe and dry bathe her when needed.

Meri is fear-reactive with dogs she sees on walks, particularly if they are walking in her direction.  We have been working with her under the guidance of renowned local behaviorist, Gary Maria, and have already seen marked improvement, but her new family would need to continue with training. 

While we were told by the shelter that she had to be an only dog because of her fear-reactivity, we were able to slowly introduce her to our other foster dog over the course of several days.  They now live and play together.

Meri is estimated to be about 7 years old and weighs approx 75 lbs.  She is spayed, microchipped, and current on shots.

Meri is currently being fostered in PLEASANT HILL.  She's been through a lot and we are determined that she'll have the best life going forward, so application, adoption fee & homecheck will apply.  Meri is just the sweetest girl and will make you feel like you're the most special person in the world!

Check out all the videos of Meri in her foster home on Youtube.

** Interested in becoming a co-foster parent?  If you are in the Pleasant Hill / Walnut Creek / Concord / Martinez area, please contact us for more info.

Cucumber Needs a Home

 Adopter or foster needed -- PLEASE SHARE

The video is a compilation of pictures and clips I took during our field trips away from the shelter. Cucumber's not perfect, but I hope it conveys what a wonderful dog he is and the potential of all he can be. 

Cucumber will quickly capture your heart with his mix of vulnerability, goofy demeanor, and trusting devotion.  He's silly and sweet and sometimes unsure but blossoms so beautifully under the right guidance.

Cucumber is estimated to be 1.5 years old and about 60 lbs.  Though active and in need of the typical exercise for dogs of his age, he isn't hyper and is surprisingly well-behaved for one so young, especially one who spends most of his hours confined in a small kennel.  He is curious and bright, eager to please, and what I would consider a follower.

Cucumber is familiar with "sit" and is house-trained, but as with all training, would benefit with continued reinforcement.   He is relaxed in the car, takes treats gently, loves to fetch, and likes water.  Bath time should be no problem!  Cucumber walks well on leash for the most part, but is not yet fully confident on walks so sometimes pulls to go back home.  He enjoys toys and gets along with other dogs (although not all dogs will appreciate his rough and tumble style of play).

This loyal boy will follow you everywhere around the house and lean his body against you or lay down beside you with his head on your lap. He loves belly and butt rubs, flopping onto his back with his legs in the air.  He is the best pick-me-up when you're having a bad day. Though sometimes a little unsure in new surroundings or aloof with new people, he trusts very quickly. 

His breed is guessed to be shepherd and bully though nobody knows for sure.  He is microchipped, current on shots, and will be neutered prior to adoption. 

Cucumber is currently living in an overcrowded county shelter.  He needs a committed foster,  adopter, or rescue org to ensure his safety. 

Email witbrescue@gmail.com with any questions or fill out one of the shelter applications below.

 CUCUMBER - ID# A1007056

• More pictures & videos

• Adopt

• Foster or Co-Foster -- a co-foster is available in or around the Concord/Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek who can care for him during the day, if a partnering foster can be found.
  

• Rescue -- if any 501c non-profit organization is willing to rescue him, financial and other support is available, if needed.
  
  
• Email witbrescue@gmail.com. 

Shelter phone: 925-608-8400
Address: 4800 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553

Cucumber is a joy to have around, with just a hint of vulnerability that makes you love him even more. It's understandable that he can be a bit timid in new situations, given what he's already gone through in his young life. But he learns to trust his people very quickly, and he has a happy, open nature. In a nurturing home, his lovable spirit will shine. And he'll melt your heart in no time.

Cucumber of my heart

Popeye from the Archives: Close-Up Please

Popeye from the Archives: Popeye's First Video

Popeye from the Archives: My First Glimpse

This was my first glimpse of Popeye. My thought was he was so adorable that he wouldn't have any trouble finding a home. It wasn't until later that I learned he was paralyzed and that it might be be as easy for him as I had thought.

Popeye from the Archives - Popeye & Bandit Play Peekaboo Under the Desk