Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

We've had some chilly/wet weather lately and I didn't get to see Oprah Tuesday or Wednesday, but the food and water I put out was gone so I was hoping she was the one eating it.

Went out to her last night three different times and got to pet her each time. Also spoke to the lady who wants to adopt her and we're hoping to get moving on this today after work. I'm going to make sure she's available before trying to get a leash on Oprah. I don't want to spook her for no reason. I'm also hoping she won't bite, not that she's ever given any indication that she would, but one can never tell.

Dogs seem to sense everything about us and are very keen on any changes, so I will have to be very calm cool and collected so maybe she'll stay that way too. I'm going to act like it's no big thing and just keep talking to her and will probably have a pocket full of shredded cheese to keep her interested. I'm going to attempt to slip a leash over one shoulder crossing over her chest and under the opposite leg then back up and pull it through the handle loop. This is how I took both Zoe and Rockie from the shelter when we adopted them and it worked pretty well, but they were glad to go with me.

I'm going to call the lady again tonight when I get home from work and work out any details, if the weather holds and we don't have to postpone. Getting Oprah on a Friday night and having Saturday and Sunday to spend alone with her should be a good start for them both before she has to return to work Monday. I've suggested a crate or large plastic kennel to keep her in in the garage in bad weather or back yard weather permitting, so she does not try to dig out and until she gets more comfortable with her new surroundings.

Based on the gray in her chin hair, Oprah's an older dog, I'd guess 6-8 maybe? I would feel so much better if the time she has left were to be shared with somebody who loves her and she could love.

Still hoping for the best. As Oat Willie said "Onward Through the Fog"!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Wishing you the best of luck in your quest to do a wonderful thing.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

good luck tonight! Hope all goes through without any problems :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Jan, that's the lady's name called me today and said she would be attending a birthday party for her son until about 8:00 or 8:30. When I got home, I drove by the front of the house and Oprah was in the lot across the street. I rolled down my window and hollered "hello sweetie" and she cocked her head and looked as though to say "where have you been". I drove around back and pulled in the garage and went in the house said hey to my dogs and let them out, then grabbed a biscuit to go see her. Something must have been up, as she would get close and sniff my hand, but would not let me touch her, she just kept backing away. I went out and tried about three times, because she just hung around the front yard. But after she backs up, I stop. I don't "push it", it's going to be on her tems. The last time I was trying, Jan drove up and stopped and got out of her SUV and Oprah increased her distance going back across the street. I don't know that tonight will work. We have about 2 inches of water on the side of our house leading to the front gate to the back yard, this could be hard to get through even if I could get close enough to snag her. It's supposed to warm to 55 tomorrow and no rain is currently in the forcast, but this is Texas and that can change quickly.

If nothing happens tonight, Jan said she'd get out tomorrow and visit the lot and try to get Oprah's trust. I play 8 ball on Saturdays in a league and won't get home until after 5 PM or so. But I figure there's not need to rush this. It took me months to gain Oprah's trust, I'd hate to screw up now. If it takes a while, it takes a while. But it would be nice if Oprah had a home for my 54th B-day Sunday. That would be the best gift I can imagine. But, this is about Oprah, not me.

Even if this does not work out. I will continue to feed and water her for as long as she has the need. When I look into her beautiful brown eyes, I know I could do nothing else and I like to think that she knows I care.

Thanks again for the comments, I appreciate knowing that you all care too.
:)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thanx for the update Michael!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I just got back from playing pool and she was in the lot across the street. I took a couple of biscuits out and called to her but she just laid there looking at me. I walked across the street and approached and she kept backing away again, but then laid down and exposed her belly. I had noticed something bumpy there before and today I looked closely and found that she has stitches intact! There are at least two, knots exposed and the rest under the skin. I tugged on one gently to see if it would pull out but didn't want to risk hurting her in case they were still connected underneath the skin. I wonder if she was in to be spayed and escaped?

I was able to give her a good scratching all over, ears, neck front and back and especially belly, she seemed to enjoy it very much. I picked up her pink "baby" and squeezed it and it barked and panted. She cocked her head RCA dog style and looked like what are you doing with my baby. So I took it back with me and showed her as I tossed it into her kennel. She's going to have to come get it.

I think it would be better if Jan could get close to Oprah and gain her trust on Oprah's terms before she tries to take her home.

I really wish I could convince my wife that she MAY get along with our dogs. I know Oprah trusts me, so far and I think more than anyone else. I feel as though I'd be betraying her trust if I just caught her and then turned her over to somebody else. What do you think?

Oh, not that it matters, but I lost my match. But at least it was to a good friend who is the one that got me to join the league. It was a 3/4 match, I had to win 3 he had to win 4. He won the lag, then the first two games. On the third he scratched on the 8 ball, the next game I won, then he won the last two.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Just got back from my B-day dinner with my wife, two sons and one sons fiancé. Took a biscuit out to Oprah and got her to lay down and let me scratch her belly again! Loved on her a bit then told her to find her a warm dry place to sleep and that I'd see her in the morning.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I have two rescued Rottweillers and I'm a K9 cop (Belgian Malinois named Irk). Try to find a way to keep her if possible. Oprah wants to stay with you, I can feel it :). You can do it, but it will take a lot of hard work. Whatever happens, I'm glad you are watching over her. You have a big heart my friend.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Agreed... you are doing a great job, Michael. Hope Oprah will be well cared for and loved... by Jan, or someone else. For now, you have done an outstanding job. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

This is the first time I've seen this thread, and all I can say is what you're doing is awesome. You are clearly a very kind hearted person. Keep being patient with Oprah. I grew up on a horse farm, and we "accumulated" (no real adoption at the time) several stray dogs. Sometimes it takes time....depending on what kind of unknown situation they came from, but as you know if you show them love, they reciprocate in kind.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I hope there is a way that you can keep Oprah yourself, seems like you two are a match made in heaven.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

[quote=nozero;287451]

I really wish I could convince my wife that she MAY get along with our dogs. I know Oprah trusts me, so far and I think more than anyone else. I feel as though I'd be betraying her trust if I just caught her and then turned her over to somebody else. What do you think?

QUOTE]


I think if you don't give your dogs a chance to see if they would get along, you would forever wonder if it would have worked out.

I also believe that Oprah would really appreciate staying in your family after your hard work restoring her faith in humans.

Do what you feel best, but I think you know how you'd like this to end.
A lot of us share that same wish. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

btw happy bday Michael.

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Guess who's sitting in our backyard?

After feeding her this morning and sitting with her in the front yard a couple of times for 10-15 minutes here and there. I opened the gate to the back yard and started scoop'n the poop'n leaving the gate open and trying to go in and out of her view. She became curious and laid down an watched. Then, when I was done I sat, out of her view, in my plastic adirondack chair where I am sitting now smoking the Kristoff Maduro my son gave me. She came about half way back between our houses toward the gate, but would not come back further.

I decided it was time to move. Earlier today I found an old purple collar and matching 4' leash that I think had belonged to Zoe and put it on the workbench on our patio. I left the collar and took the leash and walked toward her. She retreated to the front yard and laid down, so I went over and petted her and scratched behind her ears, then kept scratching with my left hand while reaching for the leash in my right back pocket with my right. I slipped it under her left front leg chest and back up and over in front of her right front leg and cinched it up. I stood up, tugged gently on the leash and said c'mon and she did! She went very, very hesitantly but she walked with me through the gate to the backyard and I closed the gate behind us.

Now she's sitting about 10 feet from me watching me smoke my cigar. I've not called Jan or Dianne yet. I'm still thinking and debating in my head.

Plus, Rockie and Zoe get "into it" ever other month or so. Most often when they are both after the same thing, whether it be a kid on the other side of the fence teasing them through the fence or a squirrel running along the top of the fence or roof. They'll bump then go after each other until I yell or have to go break them up. They've not yet drawn each others blood, but the fur sure gets to flying about.

The last dog Rockie got ahold of was pretty messed up when I got the little guy out of Rockie's jaws. But then, Rockie was IMO protecting us and Zoe. After all, the little guy broke his tether, ran across the street and attacked Zoe. He got in a few good bites, but not breaking the skin on her neck, but he did leave a gash on her lip that bled a litttle. While I was carrying him back to his family he bit my third finger on my left hand.

My wife Debbie just came out and talked to Oprah; Deb doesn't like the name Oprah at all much less for such a pretty dog. She wouldn't go to Deb but she didn't back away either. Good sign me thinks.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thank you sir!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Sounds like a great birthday.

Congrats.

Your wife is a smart woman. Name change in order. :D

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Just a little devious letting the wife choose a new name for Oprah.
That just may work. I like it. ;)

Congrats on the birthday and getting your birthday wish. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

A happy ending... I'm both sad and happy and still have a lump in my throat.

Well, I got my birthday wish. Oprah just left with Jan. I called her and she was grocery shopping and said she could be here in 30 minutes. She came over, I took her to the back yard and now Sadie and she got along fine. I put the leash on her and we walked back out front and she didn't put up a fight when I put her in the back seat of Jan's daughters car. Sadie will be visiting the vet tomorrow and Jan said she's probably going to board her at the vet during the day for the first few days so she didn't take the kennel that Dianne had offered. But I told her I'd hold it for her and she agreed she may want it later on.

Jan said she'd keep me posted and I'll revisit this thread and post any news I get.

I didn't get to keep her but I'm confident that she's with somebody who will take good care of her and she's only a few blocks away.

Thanks for reading and caring.

Respectfully,
Michael

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Sorry that you couldn't be the one to keep her, but what you did is really really an awesome thing. At least she has a home now and a place where she will be loved and warm. And she isn't far away so I'm sure you can visit :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

you did an amazing thing Michael.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

That is and was an amazing adventure, Michael. Thanks so much for taking us along on the ride. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Michael... this was a very enjoyable journey. Thanks for bringing us along!

Happy Birthday! Looks like you and "Sadie" both get a gift today. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Nice job, Michael :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I'm a wuss, I know and I don't care. I got a lump in my throat when they drove off with her and another one when reading your posts. I don't often pray even less for such a selfish one as for Sadie to be happy in her new home. But it comes from my heart and I hope G-d listens.

I called to check on her earlier tonight, Jan said she was acting like she was drugged, she'd find a corner and just lay there. I told Jan I thought that was to be expected and that it may take a few days for her to be more comfortable and be more "normal". She had not peed or pooped since she took her home. I had not seen her drink any water when we were in our front yard, or while in the back and that may be why. I think this may be normal? I'm sure she'll drink, eat, poop and pee when she needs to do so.

Jan had called her and my vet (Rockie's vet, not Zoe's) and is going to get her in tomorrow for a heart worm and other check-up and shots and to hopefully board her while Jan goes to work. I gave her my other vet's number, Zoe's vet, as a back up. Apparently lots of them are busy due to Spring Break.

Dianne looked at Sadie's teeth when she was here before Jan picked her up and said that she didn't think she was as old as we have thought, based on the gray/white on her beard and snout. That made me feel like she'll have more years to be happy in her new home.

I don't ask much, but if you are one who prays, please say one for Sadie? I will be forever in your debt.

I hope to get to go visit her in her new home after she's had time to settle in. I'll post about it...

Well. I'm a year older now and happy with how this has turned out.
Thanks once again to all who have posted in this thread, it has helped me more than you will ever know and for this, I thank you.
:tu:)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

You did everything I would have done, Michael..... except for one thing. I would have kept her. But I'm on 2 fenced acres and have only one other dog, Nanners the wonder dog.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

You did an awesome job Michael! I'll keep Sadie in my prayers.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thank you. If we had more room in the house and a bigger back yard, there would not have been any question as to whether or not we would have kept her. But she's only a few blocks away...

You take good care of Nanners Captain, she's a beauty!

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Thank you!

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Thank you!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I called Jan last night to check on Sadie. She said she was doing well, but Jan worried because Sadie would just find a corner, lay down and stay there. I told her that I felt that was because she had been on her own for so long, she didn't know what else to do and I bet within a few days, once she's more sure of her new home and companion, she'll be just fine. She was also worried that she would not eat and had not urinated yet. I told her that I didn't see her take in any water yesterday at all, and that she probably had used our backyard "facility" before she was picked up. She was taking her out every two hours, just in case.

Jan it taking her to the vet today, the same vet we use for Rockie, to get a good checking out. I'm hoping she tests negative for heart worms and that her blood work comes back good. Dianne and I checked her teeth yesterday before Jan picked her up. Based on her teeth, Jan said she didin't think she was as old as we thought. I found one tick on her right ear, but it was small and I didn't want to hurt her by pulling if off, I felt that she was probably under enough stress already. To go from being almost completely independant to being confined in a strange backyard was enough.

I had brushed her while she was here and think her being in and out of the rain last week had helped. Her coat looked better and she lost most of her odor. The first time I got to pet her, she had a pretty bad stink and my hands were nearly black afterward. She still needs a good bath, but she looked pretty good considering.

I put up a sign in the lot across the street to thank everybody who had fed and cared for Sadie and to let them know she had found a new home.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Jan called from the vet today and asked to come get the kennel. They can't keep her because she's not yet protected against any exposure so she's going to have to put her in the kennel while she is at work. I got to see Sadie when she came to get it. She was looking good and wagging her tail. She got all her shots and check-up, now we just have to wait for he test results. Vet said she was in good shape!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

So far so good Micheal...:)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great news!

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Unfortunately, Sadie tested positive for heartworms. The vet quoted Jan for her $700 for treatment. Dianne had said $400 - $500 and I thought that was high... I had no idea. Dianne said she'd kick in $50 and Deb and I offered $100.

Please keep Sadie in your prayers. Thanks!

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That's sad to hear, I'd been following along and everything was looking great! Hope everything works out for everyone!

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that's some bad news, hopefully Jan can cough up the cash.

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From Jan

I was pretty sure Jan new this was a potential problem. We don't like to think about these things but they are very real. I think Sadie will do just fine. The longer Sadie is with Jan, the better I feel about what I've done. I hope to get to see her when I take Jan the money.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Took the money over to Jan tonight and got to see Sadie. She's been bathed and looked extra pretty. I got to pet her and love on her a bit. We're giving Jan a wire crate we no longer use, as soon as we get a replacement plastic bottom tray, I'll get to see her again then.

Jan said Sadie will be on preventative heartworm meds for two months before her actual treatment begins. I may not post again for a while unless there anything worthy.

Thanks for your support!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Next time maybe a few pics of all the "players" if ur no to shy. Make a great ending to a great story.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thanks for the Oprah/Sadie bumps! I think I thanked you all via PM, I didn't miss anybody on purpose!

Respectfully,
Michael

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I'll take my camera next visit and if Jan does not mind... I just hope the flash won't frighten Sadie! I guess I could try without it...

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Jan says Sadie is doing well, even following her around the house occasionally. She's eating better and today will be her first day to be home alone all day.

Jan sent these pics too! Ain't Sadie a beauty?

http://nozero.org/images/Sadie1march09.jpg
http://nozero.org/images/Sadie6march09.jpg
http://nozero.org/images/Sadie8march09.jpg

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thanks so much for the photos. She is gorgeous!

You have done a wonderful, wonderful thing.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great story and very pretty dog. Is that a white toenail on her back left foot? I don't think I have ever seen that before.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

She's a sweetie Michael :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Yes, it's a white toenail. I've seen it before on dogs with spots, I don't think it's that uncommon. Our dogs have some not white, but blond toenails mixed in with black ones.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

You're welcome! I think she's a very pretty girl!

Thanks! And I feel she's more than worth it!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Indeed sir!

Thanks!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

You really did a great thing, helping to ensure Sadie has a wonderful life for her remaining years