2 Stray Dogs
March 21, 2011 | 
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- Shy but beginning to trust.
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- Friendly but injured.
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- Big Guy
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- Big Guy
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- Big smile
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- Side View
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- Grady’s eye is almost well.
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- Jane visiting Big Guy in the kennel.
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- Grady going for a walk
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- Grady getting a hug from Jane
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- Grady and Big Guy together for probably the last time.
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- Big Guy and Grady together
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- Grady and his new “sister”
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- Life is good.
Big Guy 4-22 Video
These dogs were dropped off in my neighborhood. They’re thin but neighbors are feeding them. The gray one is friendly and has an eye injury. The black one is arthritic and shy but will come to me. They really need a home before someone calls Animal Control. I’m working with them every day & the black one is getting more trusting.
I’m going to start taking donations to see if I can get these dogs to the vet and find out what’s going on w/ them. It will also buy them some time. I can take cash, check or pay pal. Please donate if you can and cross post.
Thanks!
Posted in Animal Husbandry, Community Involvement, News, Philosophy | 
Tags: Big Guy, black, dogs, Grady, gray, homeless, rescue, stray, wolf, wolf hybrid, wolfdog
******************* FINAL CHAPTER **************************
The pictures at the top of this post show the dogs’ forever homes.
Grady is sleeping on the couch with his new sister. Dunedin Doggie Rescue took him to a foster home. The foster mom couldn’t bear to part with him so she adopted him.
The Google map shows most of the estate where Big Guy (now Little Brother) is living. The people’s house is at the top at the end of the tree-lined driveway. The kennel is the long white building at the bottom with a single tree right in front. The kennels are high-end and are cool, comfortable, and big. He gets daily attention from his new mom who is devoted to him.
Thanks to EVERYONE who helped us find homes for these guys.
What is the status of Big Guy? I would love to work with his skittishness. I have one female that 2.5 years ago wouldn’t go near anyone and now she is fine with everyone except kids because they move to fast.
Thanks
He has the help he needs. Now that he’s in a different situation, things will improve. Thanks.
http://www.newsherald.com/entertainment/-92785–.html
Helen Rosburg heard about our plea for help w/ Big Guy through a forwarded email. She called me and said she was interested in having him. Jane and I went to her home and toured the grounds and sanctuary. It’s impressive and Helen and James are really dedicated to the animals. They weren’t set up for an escape artist like him, though. At 10:30am we said we would like to bring him over and by 1pm the redesign construction was completed.
When we got there he was really nervous, as we expected, and was pacing and panting. I let him lead me around then the trainer walked him around gently and patiently and he calmed down. He’s settled in to a spacious stall that I don’t think he can get out of. Only time will tell. Everyone has our phone numbers, in case he gets out again. We’ll go visit every so often and see how he’s doing. When I have updates, I’ll put them on my blog.
Thank you to everyone who emailed and called their friends. It worked.
When I was walking him around the estate yesterday, he hugged me really closely. I bent down, put my arms around him, and whispered into his neck how much I love this guy. God, please let this be the place he’s supposed to be.
So much responsibility…
Makes me cry.
He’s eating again. Maybe he just had a temporary upset. We did a sniff and stroll for 1 1/2 hours early this morning.
He also just met a potential foster. She brought her dog with her. He played, jumped, did play bows, and talked. He’s very quiet but he did a little talking. He loved playing with her and she was at least half his size.
Jane please call me asap.
Have one of our vols (dog savvy) who would like to meet for possible fostering with her beta dog
Heading up to vet’s now 11 06a please call me 813 205-0156
In the past 24 hours I’ve been chastised by one of my rescue buddies because Big Guy has been in the vet’s kennel for 3 weeks. “No wonder he’s crazy” was the gist of her comment. She says we should have him in a board and train facility so he can become adoptable. However good her intentions, most board and train facilities will be WAY too much for him. But what IS our goal for him? My first choice would be a sanctuary where he can be with other animals like him with some space to move freely. Secondly, it would be a home situation that’s APPROPRIATE for him. Is it better to get him to another facility that will only stress him again (or differently), or take our chances with his mental and physical health and leave him here until we find something? Now that the ideals have been identified, we have to deal w/ reality.
The past couple days when Jane’s visited, there was food in his bowl. When I took him out this morning, he hadn’t eaten his breakfast. It’s possible he just hates the food. It may also be possible that he’s giving up. When we started back toward the building this morning, I actually got a hug as he tried to stop me from going that direction. He pulled to go away from the building and kept walking in circles until we got to the door. Once inside, he keeps going to the windows wanting to go back out. We’ll get him on better food and see if that helps.
I have someone coming tomorrow to look at him that has worked w/ wolves & wolfdogs for more than 30 years. She’ll give us her assessment on his “wolf-ness” and what type of facility &/or training she thinks might best for him. I’m hearing from some people w/ sanctuaries who are trying to make space for him. No one is promising anything but I know people are trying.
Big Guy was still loose in my neighborhood when I first saw Marilyn working with him. I watched them from my kitchen window for over an hour when she was trying to lure him into the car. I marveled at the way he responded to her but he was still wary. She and Jane have spent many hours working and visiting with him. I got to visit him last week. I got kisses and he let me pet him. Jane took his buddy Grayson out to see him one last time before Grayson went to Dunedin rescue. Big Guy is such a magnificent animal. Of course a kennel is not the best place for him but what is the alternative, putting him down? A “normal” home will not work for him. Most of us don’t have the time, patience or the space to deal with a dog like this. He needs a special place and they are working toward this goal so please don’t criticize. Hopefully a sanctuary can take him!
Grady now Grayson sits at my feet as I type this… he is such a kool mellow fellow and di great at his first two public showing, but for now we have to ignore him and focus on finding someone for Big Guy. I as a complete stranger went in to the kennel room with him… sat with him for about 30 minutes allowing him to figure me out.. in about 10 minutes he finally laid down. I inched closer and closer antil I could let him sniff me. He showed no signs of aggression, but also no signs of reaching out for that bond. Took him for a walk and them a run… he was so much more comfortable with his surroundings at a run. He has the potential to bond, it will just take alot of initial one on one time. KK -Dunedin Dog Rescue
Our Big Guy has been at the vet’s kennel for about 3 weeks now. Today when the staff arrived he had knocked the door off the kennel and was trotting around the office. Not open, off; it was lying against the opposite wall of the hallway. I think his situation has reached a critical limit. We could send him to another kennel that may or may not be able to hold him but that’s only a bandaid solution. If he gets loose again, we may never be able to find him. He will most likely starve or get shot. He’s much too shy to go to a stranger if he’s loose. I don’t think a normal pet home can tolerate him. The kennel he’s in is deterioriating his mental health. We either need to find a place for him or we’re going to have to put him down. I think we’re out of time. Jane and I are making one last plea.
Please help, if you can.
I just read my first post. Big Guy doesn’t appear to have arthritis. I think he was walking hunched over because he was close to starving. Now that he’s getting food regularly and putting on weight, he’s walking normally. We got to him just in time.
Grady’s link on Petfinder.
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/19140108
Grady is going to begin going to adoption events this weekend with Dunedin Doggie Rescue. Interested parties will need to contact DDR about him now. http://www.dunedindogs.com/Welcome.html
>>>>>>>>> HELP!! < <<<<<<<< Big Guy is continuing to try and get out of the suite. He’s going stir crazy and REALLY, REALLY needs somewhere else to stay. He’s lonely and bored. He’s not interested in most toys. He chews up his blankets. >>>>>>>>> HELP!! < <<<<<<<<
I put Big Guy in my car today and fastened him in the backseat by himself. At first I had to get into the seat and have him follow me in, which he did, then sat on my lap. I fastened him down and got out to close both doors. He wanted to go w/ me, of course. I got in the front seat and started the car. We just sat there w/ it running until he settled down a little. Then I backed up and sat again for a bit. Then we drove to a low traffic, shady spot across the street and sat until he settled down. Then we drove to the next shady spot and sat. I wasn’t going any faster than idle. He certainly wasn’t crazy about it but did tolerate it. He wanted to get up front w/ me. I kept touching him and talking to him. I did this about 5 more times then we pulle3d out onto the street and drove about ½ block. He actually sat down and looked around. I turned around and we went back to the vet’s. It only took about 10 minutes. We need to get him used to the car so I’ll try to do this next week, too.
Jane brought a friend of hers to meet Big Guy and Grady. Big Guy and I were resting under a tree when they pulled up. Jane and Linda started walking toward us. He didn’t recognize Jane and was frantic to get away. She came to within reach at the end of the leash and just stood there. After she quit moving he went over and gave her a quick sniff and left. He did that a couple times then Jane and I sat down. After a minute or so, he went over to Jane and gave her a nuzzle and a kiss. Then Linda came over quietly and slowly and sat down. He went over and gave her a little kiss. Then laid down beside the three of us. Since he had never met Linda, this was a really good sign of his ability to adapt.
I’m going to try and walk him every day for at least ½ hour. Poor guy . . . He needs so much more than he's getting right now.
I’m posting more pictures of Grady getting hugs from people. Wagging tail and happy smile.
Big Guy is still shy and skittish with everyone except Jane and me. I don’t know how he interacts w/ the staff. We need to get him out in public and start socializing him. I think his foot is up to it now.
There are some characteristics between Grady and Big Guy that makes me think they could be brothers. There’s no way to be sure but they have similar muzzles, ears and feet.
Since Grady is doing so well he may start going to adoption events this weekend. Someone is going to get a GREAT dog!!! He’s beautiful and he’s a sweetheart.
4-15-11 Update from Grady:
My eye is looking much better. Just look at my new profile picture compared to the 2nd picture when I was still “out on the loose”. Right now I’m still at the vet’s while DDR is looking for a foster or forever home for me. I am such a happy dog and my saviors can’t believe it. They say I’m going to make someone a really good family dog. I’m just waiting for you to come out to one of the events and visit me. You’ll understand when you spend some time with me. Today I was jumping for joy when one of the ladies that saved me came to visit. I’m always full of kisses and so happy to see them. I am anxious to meet you too. Maybe we could take a hike or go to the beach. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Grady
From early April:
Hi! I’m being called “Grey Dog” right now because no one knows my real name. Gee, I wish you could all understand “dog talk”. I have been “loose and on the road” for quite some time. I teamed up with another nice dog that I call “Big Guy” because he’s a little bigger than I am. No one knows where we came from but one day we saw this “community” that we took a liking to and decided to try it out for awhile. Some nice ladies took pity on us, guess we didn’t look our best, limping, full of weeds and matted coats so they decided to feed us. Wow, was that ever the best day…the first time dry food ever tasted like steak to me!! I’m a really, friendly, loveable guy so I laid right down by the one that fed me but my buddy was a little scared, or perhaps smarter than I was. A few days passed in our “new community” and the ladies still looked out for us. They actually got a leash and collar on me but decided, when I cried for my buddy, that if they saved me, they’d never get him. Then one awful day, Animal Control came and trapped me and hauled me off to the kennel. Guess I should have been wiser, like my friend, because he’s a lot smarter than the Animal Control folks…he never got caught by them and believe me, they tried. One of those ladies who took a liking to us just happens to volunteer for Dunedin Dog Rescue so after days of working (I only had 72 hrs to live when Animal Control trapped me) DDR and another wonderful lady “sprung” me from there. The nice lady that picked me up told DDR she’s “head over heels in love with me” (but she already has 9 dogs). She also said I am “gorgeous” (I’m blushing) and “so sweet and the most striking color blue gray she has ever seen”. I am currently back with my buddy and being given the rest and love and medical attention I need. My eye was hurt in the above picture but I’ll have a more handsome one posted soon, as the eye is much better.
I’m now searching for my forever home where I can play with toys and people and enjoy the finer things in life, like food, a soft bed, lots of hugs and cuddles and a nice hike or two…maybe even a trip to the doggy beach…that sounds like great fun to me. Please consider me for your next best friend, I’m somewhere between 2-4 years and have lots of life to live, thanks to DDR and all those ladies…Guess, I always was a “kinda ladies man:)”
Jane and I went to see the dogs today. They’re doing well, all considered. I’ve been only hand feeding Big Guy for over a week. He was rougher eating today then he’s been. He must be stressed. In his kennel there was a small tv in one corner about 8′ in the air. He pulled it down and pulled out the wires. Sometime recently, he cut the pad on his left front foot. While he was out yesterday, the vet put one stitch in it to keep the edges together so it would heal better. His foot hurts and he didn’t want to take a walk today. The three of us just hung out under a tree for awhile.
Grady is happy and friendly. He finally got his vaccinations, including bordatella. Since he just got over it, he has to remain in isolation for another 10 days to keep him from picking it up again. At least he’s not contagious and we didn’t have to immediately bleach our clothes and shower when we got home. His eye continues to improve.
Big Guy is putting on enough weight that the only place is spine is still prominent is over his abdomen. I can’t feel hipbones anymore. He’s also lifting his leg to pee. Up until the past few days he’s squatted.
I got a call from the Office Manager yesterday. She had gone in to walk Big Guy for the second time that day and he was standing on top of the kennel. It has a door made of metal vertical bars with 2 cross bars. The walls are metal sheets about 6′-7′ high. He was balancing on the 2″ rail along the top. He either got scared or fell and hurt his foot. He was growling and very upset so they left him alone. I went over and took him for a walk. He really liked the fresh air and breeze. I didn’t see any changes in his gait, feet, or joints. Now he’s in a suite that has a solid door and a top. What are we going to do w/ this guy?
Both guys were neutered today.
Jane and I went to see the dogs today. We gave both of them a bowl of dry food, canned, food and yogurt to try and get some calories into them. They also god Kongs w/ peanut butter and rope toys. The vet staff is taking good care of them. They have blankets and toys. Grady is still in isolation because he coughs sometimes. Big Guy has had his vaccinations but Grady hasn’t until the isolation & antibiotics are over. Grady’s eye is completely healed on the outside and the fur is growing back; it still looks a little swollen on the inside, though.
Jane offered Grady a container of fruit-flavored yogurt, which Big Guy loves. He took one small lick and grimaced. He REALLY didn’t want any more. The staff will give it to Big Guy later.
Still looking for foster homes and donations for both.
Went to see Big Guy today. He’s 31″ tall at the shoulder but only weighs 90#. The tips of his ears are at about my waist, 42″. He’s going to be a big dog when he puts weight back on. Hand fed him some hot dogs and gave him a bowl of yogurt. He is beautiful!!!
Gray Dog has become Grady, thanks to Jane. I’m glad he has a name. Joanna is taking him for a run every morning. He’s a great dog looking for a home soon. His isolation should be over in a day or two. He only coughs when he gets really excited. His eye is healing nicely.
Big Guy is gaining weight and getting shiny and prefers to be in the kennel to going outside for now.
The black dog we’re calling Big Guy. The gray dog is just Gray Dog. He needs a name. Any ideas?
Here are comments from the woman who transported Gray Dog from Animal Control to the vet:
OK – I AM TOTALLY HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH GRAY DOG – HE IS GORGEOUS AND SO SO SWEET- HE LOOKS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN A LAB, A WEIM, A WOLFHOUND – HIS HAIR IS THE MOST STRIKING COLOR BLUE GRAY-IF I DID NOT HAVE 9 DOGS I WOULD ADOPT HIM MYSELF
HIS EYE DOES NOT LOOK TOO BAD TO ME – IT WAS COMPLETELY OPEN – DID NOT LOOK LIKE IT WAS DRAINING – LOOKED A LITTLE CHEWED UP ON THE SIDE – I THINK EYE WILL BE FINE BUT I AM NOT A VET (His eye is healing fine with treatment.MW)
NOW SOME INFO ON PASCO AC – FIRST THE GOOD NEWS – THE NEW ADOPTION CENTER IS FABULOUS -CLEAN AND RUNS ARE BIG AND WELL DESIGNED- THE DOGS IN ADOPTION ROW ARE PRETTY MUCH SAFE
THE BAD NEWS IS THAT MOST DOGS DO NOT MAKE IT TO ADOPTION ROW AND WHERE THEY ARE KEPT IS OLD AND RUN DOWN AND PASCO DOES NOT SEND OUT EMAIL LIST TO RESCUES – SIGH – THESE DOGS ARE GIVEN 72 HOURS AND I DO NOT THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC CAN EVEN SEE THEM-THAT IS WHERE GRAY BOY WAS – SO I WALK THRU THERE TONIGHT AND IT IS HEARTBREAKING AND I SEE A VERY TINY PUPPY – THE STAFF BEGGED ME TO PUT OUR RESCUE NAME ON HER OR SHE WOULD BE KILLED TOMORROW – THIS IS BECAUSE SHE WAS ONLY 7 WEEKS AND THEY MUST BE 9 WEEKS TO GO ON ADOPTION ROW – IF THEY ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH THEY ARE KILLED
SO GUESS WHO IS GETTING A PUPPY TOMORROW ??
Gray Dog was pulled from Animal Control on Tuesday and is safely at the vet’s. His eye is being treated but he may have kennel cough, so he’s in quarantine right now. That, too, is being treated.
Big Guy, the black dog, is developing a convoluted story. I can’t go into detail but will let you know what’s going on when I know.
Big Guy was loose about 24 hours before Jane and I caught him again and took him back to the vet.
The hospital staff and I were driving around looking for him until 10pm last night. I went home around 10. I don’t know how long they stayed out. Jane was out at 5am today looking for him and talking to people. We’re going to get a flyer out. I told the New Port Richey Police and talked to a couple Sheriff Deputies. We’ve told all our contacts. Please let everyone know not to try and catch him; he’s shy and timid. Call me or Jane and we’ll go to him and see if we can get him again.
The black dog got loose from a kennel tech this afternoon and jumped the fence. He’s loose somewhere around New Port Richey. If anyone sees him, please call 727-372-9825 and I’ll come get him. I’m sad and scared for him. I hope we find him before something happens to him.
We’ve named the black dog Big Guy. He went to the vet’s today. He’ll get vaccinated, chipped, and assessed. Also a blood test for heartworms and a fecal float. He rode fairly well in the van. We let him decide when he was ready to get in. When he was ready he just climbed in and sat on my lap. He snuggled against me for the ride which gave him stability with the movement of the car. It probably was easier on his joints. He was loving all the attention from all 3 of us. Even though he’s still pretty bony, he weighs 88.3#.
He spent last night in a neighbor’s garage with Liz Rafaloski of Any Time Pet Sitting. She slept on a cot and he paced all night. Thank you, Liz! It was such a relief to know he was safe and watched.
We can go to Animal Control tomorrow and see if the gray dog is available for pulling by Dunedin Doggie Rescue. We’re hoping they treated his eye, but really doubt that’s been done. If we get him, we’ll take him to the vet, too, and see what’s going on with it.
The black dog is on Jane’s lanai and he’s dragging a leash. There are other dogs to hang out w/ and he’d doing well. More later. YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marilyn is accepting monetary donations for vet bills, donations to the rescue, gas money, food, etc. Please contact me through my website, if you want to donate. Thanks!
Animal control picked up the gray dog last week. He was the friendliest and easiest to catch. Dunedin Doggie Rescue hopes to pull him Tuesday and get him to the vet for his eye injury. The black one is still loose but easily comes to me. Yesterday I had his front feet in my car. I’ll continue to work to get him completely in and get him out of our neighborhood.
Here is the text from an email my neighbor/partner in this effort sent out to uur other neighbors:
I’m sure that you all know about the GS(Wolf) looking dog that is roaming around. A few of us have been trying to catch this dog to get him the medical care and forever home he deserves. He is not aggressive! He is just scared and very smart. Marilyn Wolf (not related to the dog (smile I’m trying to be light hearted in a very sad situation) is dog training schooled, runs “Korrect Kritters” and has worked tirelessly with him. She is now asking our help in not feeding him. Please pass this around to other residents you know. He is not starving and we will not let him starve. She spent about three hours with him yesterday and another few hours with him today but she can get much further with him if he is hungry. She is so close to getting him into her car. Unfortunately, his best buddy got trapped by the county this week and may be close to his last days. I am working with my rescue to take him in and find him a forever home. We understand you are not all dog lovers like we are. Please just be patient with us for a little longer and hopefully our lives will get back to normal. Thanks….a little prayer might help too. Jane
Another note on my previous email. Please know that we understand why you want this dog gone. We also want him gone…the only difference is, we want to save his life…not kill him. Marilyn can get close to him, hand feed him and pet him….but he’s smart and once she tries to collar or leash him he backs away..the same happens if someone comes around nearby. So if you see her working with him please stay far away. A lot of you want to help and you can all help best by just not feeding him and calling Marilyn or myself as soon as you see him. The county will probably return here Monday, so the time from now until then is our only chance to help this dog.
A little more background:
3/26, 6:41pm
Please pass the word not to feed him. I want him interested in the food I have.
3/26, 3:39 pm
He put his front feet in my car today and stretched to try and get the food across the seat. I’m so close. It only took 2 hours.
3/25, 10:04 pm
I spent 3 hours today feeding Big Guy (he comes to that name) and trying to get a lead on him. We had a good time but he wasn’t interested in the lead at all. I have an idea for tomorrow.
3/25, 9:17 am
I think we have someone who’s going to pull Gray Dog today and get him some vet care. Jane and I are afraid the black one will just hide and starve without his buddy. As far as I know, I’m the only person he’ll come to so I’m still on the lookout for him. I have no idea how I’m going to get hold of him or put a lead but if I get close enough again but I’m going to try.
3/24
Animal Control just picked up the gray dog. He’ll be put on hold for 72 hours, which expires on Sunday. There’s no way to contact the shelter until Tuesday. This the day after we get everything in order: vet, kennel, $$. If anyone has any contacts there, please let them know he has a place to go as soon as we can get him. Thanks.