Happy Fall Y'all!

Dear Followers,

We thank you so much for your interest in our Furry Blog. If you know of anyone else who would be interested in being a member, please pass our blog along. We'd like to get the word out. It would be difficult to part with our foster furry's since they've been part of our family for so long, but should they capture the love of another great family, we could part with them. In order for us to help out any more dogs in need of a foster home, we need room and well, currently we are topped out. If you know of anyone who is interested in adopting, we'd love to know.

Also, if you think that you could open your house to a foster dog, I would encourage you to look into that. Fostering has many benefits, not just the most obvious, being the soul that you rescue, but also for the other animals left behind. By taking a dog out of the system, you make more room for other dogs in need of help; which means that it buys some of those dogs a little more time. I know I must sound crazy, as you all know I've been through a lot of heart ache and difficulty, but I think if it was easy, it just wouldn't be as meaningful or worthwhile. Just make sure that you check out the agency carefully, as not all the rescue groups are truly vested in the health and well being of each foster.

Thanks so much and have a lovely day!
The Call Family

Don Diego conquers water...

I guess that the mountain run off was just way too cold for dipping paws. Don Diego, early fall 2011



Don Diego swimming in Moab, spring 2011. Yes, Chihuahuas can swim.

2011 Adventures

Don Diego on our early fall 2011 hike in Lone Peak Wilderness Area. Just because he's small doesn't mean he can't hike with the biggest of them. That little guy has amazing stamina!



Coco and Molly and the boys hiking Lone Peak, on our way back after a fun 2 hour hike



Coco and Molly, Moab spring 2011



Coco hiking in Moab. Even though for us it was jacket weather, we'd find Coco often in the shade on the side of the trail taking a break. I was so surprised to see her sprinting with Molly across a meadow chasing down some grouse. It's the fastest I've ever seen her move!



Snowshoeing early spring at the Nordic Center. Sam let us take them out since we were closed for the season. Usually dogs aren't allowed on the trail. They had a blast cruising around in the snow!

Coco

Coco Bear is a sweet and sassy Bassador (Bassett/Lab hybrid). She's been with us, her foster family, for almost a year now.
Coco has really come out of her shell and loves to interact with others. She enjoys playing ball, going for runs, walks and hikes, and lounging around either inside or out and chewing on a favorite bone. I would say that Coco is a medium energy dog. She'll have her little bursts of energy and then chill out. Coco also is a big fan of food. She likes to troll the counters when our backs are turned. Naughty! She is still in "puppy" mode and needs to have things to chew. This behavior is mellowing out, but I think she is more content with nyla bones and rawhides to entertain her.

Coco's life with us. Coco is an inside dog. She is house trained and mostly really well behaved. Occasionally we've caught her with one of the kids toys, but she hasn't errantly chewed on anything important (like furniture). We don't typically leave the dogs free reign of the house when we are gone for more than an hour. They have a "Dog Room", which is rather large that they hang out in while we're gone. I think she would be great unattended if she could come and go inside and out as she pleased. We currently don't have that option available. Our dogs are part of the pack. She's used to sleeping in someone's bedroom and has a dog bed to sleep on. Coco is used to being around people and our two other dogs. We've introduced her to dogs she doesn't know. Besides being a bit "eager", she is usually friendly and gets along well with other dogs. I wouldn't describe her as "aggressive", but is territorial and will not let someone onto the property without proper introduction.

Question/Answer:
Does she bark a lot?
A: No. She will bark at people and/or dogs walking by the fence when she's outside. Otherwise she doesn't bark. She will bark when confined in a kennel or a room. Although, when you're gone, I can't say whether that continues for very long after you leave. I think she would bark a lot if left outside unattended for extended periods of time. She likes to be around her people.

Is she good with cats?
A: We don't have a cat. I don't know how she would react to a cat should they be a member of the pack. Outside cats seem to be free game and if they run, she will give chase. I think that's pretty typical dog behavior. So, because I don't know for sure, I'd have to say no. You're always willing to give it a try though.

Is she good with kids?
A: Most definitely. All ages. I used her for a dog socialization presentation for several different grades at the local elementary school. She attended about 6 of these presentations and was a gem with all ages ranging from k-6. Didn't bark at all, laid still and didn't mind being petted by many pairs of hands at a time. She's never bitten either of our kids or any of their friends that frequent the house.

Good on a leash?
A: Yes. She has a nice nylon collar that doubles as a choke collar. That's the most extreme method needed for her. At the start of the run she'll get excited and have these occasional bursts of galloping, but she can't keep that up. Not enough energy! Once she gets those first "crazy" energies out, then she heels great.

If you have any other questions or would like to meet Coco, please feel free to give me a call or send me a text. 801-376-7580