Update on Lily the Permanent Foster

Upon being diagnosed with severe Spondylosis, Lily the OEM came to our family in December 2010 as a permanent foster. She came in very fearful, timid and not a huge fan of men. She was afraid of the dog food bowls and dog beds (which, as you can see in the above picture, she has overcome!)

Almost 4 months later she has blossomed. She adores our other dogs and is my faithful companion. She loves to play with plush toys and has one with her most times of the day. She is definitely a "woman's dog", but is finally to the place where she trusts my husband as well.

She will always have a fearful side to her and we have to be careful with her and strangers, but she is a true joy to our family. She is so grumpy, grouchy and set in her ways. She makes us laugh every day with her crazy antics. Her poor wrinkles cover part of her eyes, so when we talk to her she throws her head back to look at us and that gives us a laugh every single day.

She has become such a loving dog who would literally protect me to her last breath. The house behind us is adding on a floor and nothing makes her angrier than if one of the workmen dare to even say hi to me :)

Lily Lou Lou has brought so much to our lives and I know we have to hers as well. I can't encourage people enough to consider taking in a permanent foster. Yes, you do so knowing the end is coming, but the joy outweighs any sadness. To know we have made a significant difference in a life brings deep satisfaction.

Bree Dew, VP/COO BDHPI

PS- Many thanks to my wonderful husband who has worked so hard to gain Lily's trust and affection. You never gave up on her and in return you now have a girl who jumps up in excitement when you come through the door. You understand and respect her limits...which makes your crazy dog-lady wife very thankful for your support!

The Adjustment Period

If you foster or adopt from us, "The Adjustment Period" is a phrase you will hear over and over again. We drive it home.

If an adoption is going to fail, it is typically during the adjustment period so we do everything we can to educate or families about what to expect and what not to expect.

**Set your expectations low. People often set higher standards for a new dog than they do for their human counterparts.

**Your new dog will not know where the dog door is. He will not understand you only want him to go potty "on this side" of the yard unless you diligently works with him for weeks.

**Your new dog will not know his new name for a while.

**Do not let your new dog off leash. Would you go to an open field and let your child loose?

**Do not expect your new dog to know how to walk up and down stairs the first week you bring them home. They may not have ever seen them before. It is up to the human to patiently teach them.

**Your dog and your new dog may not become best friends over night. That's ok. Do you love everyone you meet right away?

**Your dog and your new dog may squabble over toys, affection and food. It's up to us humans to anticipate this and set up an environment for success.

**Your dog and new dog may have a fight. But they typically forgive and forget quickly..I wish as many humans did this.

**Don't expect your dog to understand the first night that they are not allowed on the couch or bed. That is something you have to teach them. Gently lure them off the couch with yummy treats. NEVER pull a collar. If you find yourself with a stubborn kiddo, gently leash and lead them off the couch/bed.

**Give your new dog time to adjust with just your immediate family for the first few days. As hard as it is not to show off your new pride and joy, don't bring the neighborhood over to meet him. Let him rest, relax and bond.

**Set realistic expectations for yourself. It is a lot to bring a new dog into your home. It may take a little bit to get used to the big clumsy boy who walks one inch behind you at all times. It make take a while to remember to put that bread away in a taller cabinet. It may take a while to get used to finding slobber on your ceiling in rooms you swear the dog has never entered!

**When frustrated, take a deep breath. Be patient. Be kind.

**Before threatening to return a dog to rescue, ask yourself "Have I given this new dog a change to succeed? I know what this dog has been through, am I setting realistic expectations? Have I tried, and I mean really tried?"

BDHPI is here to help any adopting family through any issue, no matter how big or small.

Paw It Forward

Will you consider donating $5 or $10 per month on a reoccuring basis?

Go to www.bigdogshugepaws.com to learn more.

Dobby Update: March 2011

Dobby has come so far and we are all so proud of the fighting spirit in this boy! He is still on Medical Hold, but already has a long wait list of people who want to adopt him!

Many thanks to the Moore Family in TX for taking such great care of this silly guy!

BEFORE:




AFTER:

Updates on a few BDHPI Alums

Remember Monty who was adopted at 10 years young! Here he is still livin' the life with his wonderful parents!!!

Well we took Monty and Lexi to the dog park last Saturday. Monty had a blast. He took off RUNNING…it was amazing. We were so happy to see him running, it just lifted our hearts. He loped a couple times after that but mostly sniffed around and wanted everyone to pet him. He loves people. He is such a great dog…we just love him.

Remember Emmitt the Great Dane Puppy, his new name is Moose and now he is all grown up. Here he is watching Marmaduke!

Remember Daja the adorable Dane/Saint mix? Her she is with her new family enjoying the Colorado winter:

Thanks to all of our Forever Families for sending in these pictures of BDHPI dogs in their new loving homes. I cannot tell you how much it warms our hearts and gives us the encouragement to continue to save those that need saving!

Dobby- 2 Month Update

Many of you have been following sweet Dobby's story...this was Dobby in early January:

This is Dobby now:
What a difference a little patience, love, great medical care and medication can do for these dogs in need!

Kudos to his awesome foster mom Amy M in TX for taking such good care of this boy!

TKO/BDHPI Therapy Dog Visit!

BDHPI and TKO had our first joint visit to Rocky Mountain Children's Hospital this week!

Seattle Seahawk Offensive Lineman Tyler Polumbus, Suzy Herbison, Storm the Bernese Mountain Dog, Lindsay Condon & Duke the Great Dane all went over to Rocky Mountain Children's Hospital yesterday for our very first TKO/BDHPI Therapy Dog Visit! We had a great time cheering up kids who ranged in age from 2 years old to 16 years old. They were there undergoing chemo, surgery, suffering from kidney failure, etc. It was very fun to see their faces light up when the dogs came into the room and it provided some joy for their parents who were under a great deal of stress as well! Tyler also signed autographed photos which was a fun present to leave behind.

We look forward to future visits!

Food Drive Tally

The month has come to a close and you did not disappoint!

**48 bags of food

**2138lbs of dog food

**$1681.00 in donations

We can never thank you enough for your tremendous support! We couldn't do this without you!