Stray black lab mix story.

[Don Fernando]

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

[14holestogie]

[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.

[Don Fernando]

btw happy bday Michael.

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.

Originally Posted by Don Fernando

btw happy bday Michael.

Thank you sir!

Sounds like a great birthday.

Congrats.

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

[14holestogie]

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.

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

[King James]

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

[Don Fernando]

you did an amazing thing Michael.

[14holestogie]

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

[SmokeyJoe]

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

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

[heavyd]

Nice job, Michael

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.

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.

[Savor the Stick]

Michael, You saved her Buddy.
That pooch is way better off because you invested yourself in this.
Way too Go!

Prayers sent!

[lightning9191]

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

Originally Posted by RFC

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.

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!

Originally Posted by Savor the Stick

Michael, You saved her Buddy.
That pooch is way better off because you invested yourself in this.
Way too Go!

Prayers sent!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by lightning9191

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

Thank you!