Stray black lab mix story.

Another breakthrough!

I just went out and took Oprah some water since she'd been in the lot in the sun most of the day, I took it across the street to her. After I came back to the house, I looked out and she was in the front yard, so I went out and sat in the yard and she came close and sniffed me again, then went and laid down about 8-10 feet away. I got up and went over to her and she just laid there so I bent over and she let me pet her head. I got to scratch behind her ears and her neck too. It was amazing!

Got this picture earlier today too.

[14holestogie]

Sweet.

She looks like a sweetheart. To teach her about a friendly hand after what she probably went through is amazingly cool. Continued success with reaching into her heart.

[BamBam]

Originally Posted by nozero

Another breakthrough!

I just went out and took Oprah some water since she'd been in the lot in the sun most of the day, I took it across the street to her. After I came back to the house, I looked out and she was in the front yard, so I went out and sat in the yard and she came close and sniffed me again, then went and laid down about 8-10 feet away. I got up and went over to her and she just laid there so I bent over and she let me pet her head. I got to scratch behind her ears and her neck too. It was amazing!

Got this picture earlier today too.

Is that Animal Control in the background there

[SmokeyJoe]

You are doing an incredible job with her... reminds me of Kevin Costner in "Dances with Wolves."

Thanks for the picture - looks like a sweet old girl.

Originally Posted by BamBam

Is that Animal Control in the background there

No sir, that's one of Arlington's Police vehicles. I've had very good luck with them and find them to be very professional. I even submitted a compliment to the Police Department via the Arlington City web site, when I got my last speeding ticket. I've had less than professional treatment by police officers in the past, so I appreciate the professionals. He called me sir, explained why he stopped me, the speed limit as well as the speed he clocked me at and told me if I were stopped again from the far left lane, that I should stop on the left hand shoulder. I told him that I had always stopped in the far right shoulder because it give me more room to stay away from the other traffic. Here in Texas, when you pass any emergency vehicle, you are supposed to either move over one lane or if you pass in the lane next to them, you reduce your speed by 20 mph. There were idiots flying by him, I'm sure hitting 70 mph or better.

Anyway, I received a return email with a thank you. Turns out, they don't often get commendations from persons who received tickets.

I've become quite concerned about Oprah regarding what will happen to her after I catch her, as I'm quite certain I could capture her now. I worry that the Arlington Animal Services would put her down because she's older and so timid. A lot of people don't want the dog that sits in the corner of the pen at the shelter, which I think she would. Really, I'd keep her if there were any chance of her and Rockie getting along and if I could convince Debbie (my wife) too.

Debbie suggested last night that if I were to see some of the other people that feed Oprah today, that I should inquire to see if they'd be interested in adopting her. Well this morning after I'd been out to take Oprah her morning biscuit and fresh water and decided to go out for a cigar on the front lawn. While I was gathering up my chair, phones, laptop, coffee, lighter, cutter and cigar. I looked across the street and saw one of Oprah's friends. So I crossed the street to talk to her and introduced myself telling her I lived across the street and asked if she was interested in adopting Oprah or if she was just feeding her to be kind. She may have been a little leery of me, I have that effect on some people. She clearly stated that she would be interested! So I gave her my phone numbers and suggested that she call me and give me her number, so I could contact her if I was able to catch Oprah, if she was comfortable with that. Oprah would not go to her but, as she was driving away, I went to Oprah and she again let me pet her.

As I sit typing this now, another of Oprah's friends is across the lot and petting her! I'd be very happy if somebody who cares for her gave her a home! I just walked over and talked to this lady too. Turns out, both of these ladies are named Jan. This one already has two dogs, but she knows the other Jan and said she knew the other Jan wanted to adopt Oprah and make her an indoor dog. She said today was the first time Oprah let her pet her and I could tell it made her feel as good as it did when I petted her for the first time.

Some idiot just hollered at Oprah from the other side of the painted fence next to the alley on the back side of the lot. Oprah ran across the lot, headed toward Green Oaks Blvd and by the time I stood up to see what was going on, I could not see who it was or where they were. I don't see Oprah in the lot now, but have strong hopes that she'll return later today or this evening.

Still hoping for the best!

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by nozero

She may have been a little leery of me, I have that effect on some people.

I find this hard to believe, Michael. You sound like one hell of a nice guy. Anyone who writes a thank you note to the cops after getting a ticket is basically a saint

I'm really enjoying this thread.

Go Oprah! ...never thought I'd say that

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"!

[SmokeyJoe]

Originally Posted by nozero

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"!

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.

[yourchoice]

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.

[lightning9191]

Thanx for the update Michael!

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.

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.

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by nozero

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.

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.

[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.