Foster Journal
March 2003: More Possibilities
For Murray, But Still No Luck
March 1, 2003
Hi Susan and David,
How is Diamond doing? I hope everything is going well. I know this
is a long shot but... Have you ever thought about getting a second
dog? I am fostering a wonderful collie mix right now. I want him
to go to an experienced person -- preferably somebody who has another
dog, because he loves to play with other dogs. So, of course, I
thought of you. =) He's a year old, about 35lbs, active, trainable,
and very loving.
Like I said, I know it's a long shot, but I had to write to you
just in case! If you know of any other *responsible* people looking
for a great dog, please tell them about Murray. He has already been
placed and returned once for barking at a visitor. Someone met him
last weekend and thought he played with their dog TOO MUCH. It's
frustrating because he's such a wonderful dog, and I know the perfect
home is out there somewhere.
Thanks! Let me know if you would like to get the dogs together to
play sometime this spring. Diamond was one of Brin's favorite playmates!
---
Hi Amy. What a coincidence! We've been talking about getting
a friend for Diamond, and we were just talking about contacting
you to see
if you knew of another great dog. Susan was walking her yesterday
and a little sheltie (our neighbor's) accompanied her the entire
way. Diamond seemed so happy that it got us to thinking...... Anyway,
Susan is out until
later this afternoon. I will have her call you to discuss. Our only
concern is that Diamond has adjusted so well and has the run of the
house. We just hope she won't get jealous of a new friend. While
she is doing fabulous, I have to admit we have spoiled her terribly
-- every morning when the alarm rings she crawls up in bed with Susan
to snuggle while I get ready for work. She's the best. We'll touch
base later today.
Thanks for thinking of us.
---
Hi,
I hope everything is going well. I think Murray fits in with your
family really well, and hopefully Diamond will agree. If you decide
to adopt him, it would probably be best if I met you at the shelter
because I'm not sure if he's even in their computer correctly.
We didn't do additional paperwork when I took him back after he
was returned, so he might not be listed in their system correctly.
The shelter is open tomorrow until five. If you want some additional
time to evaluate Murray, that's fine -- I could meet you at the shelter
any evening (they are open until seven during the week). Hopefully
Diamond will start to warm up to him within a few days. I think they
will have similar play styles because both of them really loved to
play
with Brin.
Thanks for giving Murray a chance! And of course, thank you so much
for giving Diamond such a wonderful home.
Talk to you soon.
March 9, 2003
Hi,
I'm a volunteer with Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue.
Common Behavior Problems in Dogs is great information! Could I
have permission to include this with our new foster packet for
SCLRRescue volunteers? LouVon
---
Hi LouVon,
Thanks for writing! Yes, you may certainly use this information for
your handouts. My only request is that you include my name and
the web address. I'm glad the site has been useful!
March 15, 2003
Some friends of mine are looking for a Aussie/ACD/BC type dog
(mix is fine, just needs to be a herding type dog). Needs to be
okay with
other dogs and small children, but manners aren't a big deal. They
would prefer a younger (like under two) dog, but will consider older
dogs. Thanks!
Sara
---
Hi Sara,
What about Murray? He is a collie type mix, about 35 lbs, a little
over a year old, loves other dogs and kids (has lived w/young kids),
and ...doesn't have great manners. ;) He is a *wonderful* dog.
I want to keep him but my SO doesn't want a third permanent dog.
You can check out his page and see if he seems like a good fit.
The biggest issue i've had w/placing him is that he is a major fear-barker/territorial
barker. He has never bitten and i think it would take a lot to get
him to bite. But the barking is very loud and intimidating. He was
adopted once and returned in a week after he barked at a visitor.
Then I thought I found the perfect home for him, but they also returned
him after one week for the same problem.
These people would need to understand that he *will* do this behavior,
and that it will probably take about a week for it to show up. He
is perfect with family but is not happy when new people come into
the house. Other than that behavior, he is the perfect dog. I can't
say enough nice things about him. He's a major snuggler too, and
he can get
any dog to play.
I would be happy to meet w/your friends as soon as tomorrow if you/they
think it would be a good match. And hey... you *are* a trainer...
hmmm.... sounds like a good match! ;)
Let me know what you think!
---
Hi Amy,
It does sound like a good match :-)
They were looking for a dog with more herding type instinct...
not that they want to herd, but they have a house full of setters
and
they want a dog they can take on walks that isn't totally focused
on hunting. Their old dog (a neurotic Cattle Dog/coyote mix who
also
has issues with strangers) is getting less active and they want
another one. Is Murray very
focused on his people? (ie, if your in the yard with him with no
other dogs, does he "check back" with you every couple
minutes?)
I'll forward this to them and if they're interested I'll probably
come meet him before they make the drive from Erie.
Thanks :-)
Sara
---
Hi Sara,
Murray is *very* focused on his people. He's a velcro dog. He bonded
to me quickly and strongly. I haven't tried letting him off leash
(I tend not to do that with fosters!), but we were just at the
fenced area at Frick today and he was really good about keeping
track of us. And he has a decent recall, even though I haven't
worked on that with him *at all* (even though i've had him for
like five months!). I saw a tan and white dog disappearing through
the gate and I screamed, "Murray!" It wasn't him, but
he immediately came from some other direction and looked at me
like I was nuts. =)
If your friends are interested, let me know when you'd like to meet
him. We could meet here, or at Frick, or
wherever is convenient for you.
I really have to find a great home for him. I'm *way* too attached.
=(
March 16, 2003
Hey,
We sure have missed Murray this week. He was so precious in so many
ways. Things are definitely quieter and more peaceful though,
and David is breathing much better. I passed your exit on 376
East today and wished that I could come get him. Have you had
any more inquiries about him? I will continue to pray for the
perfect situation to arise. He is such a cutie, he deserves a
wonderful home--although I know he is very happy there with you.
Keep me updated if you don't mind. I'd love to hear any good news.
Susan
---
Hi Susan,
Murray's doing well. We went to the park on Saturday and he had a
great time playing with all the dogs. It was extremely busy there
because of the great weather. Then he got a bath, and slept the
rest of the weekend!
I had one inquiry, but haven't heard back from them. They live in
Erie but have a friend in Pittsburgh who happens to be a dog trainer.
She thought Murray sounded like a perfect match for their family,
but I haven't heard anything back, so I'm kinda thinking... not gonna
happen. But we'll keep our eyes and ears open.
I have been trying to pawn him off on various family members, but
that hasn't worked so far either!
I don't think the humane society has him on their website anymore,
so I will get in touch with them and tell them to put him back up
there.
Thanks for checking in. I'll let you know if anything happens!
March 22, 2003
Hi,
Well things have certainly changed! When we went to the new way of
showing the animals it is taken automatically from our kennel software
so when an animal is signed in it will automatically go on the
web. I have not included the fosters because it shows all the foster
animals that are not accounted for (cats). And it seems that the
foster program for dogs is not real strong. So I am still working
on the best way to put into the web. Send me a couple of pictures
and I will showcase him for a week on the main page and see if
we get some responses. Would you want me to put your phone or ours?
I am not sure if you are getting "invited" but
if you check out the events page you can see upcoming events that
you might want to bring Murray. I miss working with you!
Gail
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