Polly

Pea as we call her crossed the rainbow bridge on 3/6/26 along with her best friend Raji. Her and Raji's health both started deteriorating rapidly, crossing the bridge was what was best. It was fitting they crossed together as one couldn't be without the other. She was the sweetest thing and we enjoyed watching her become a "real" dog. Her and Raji will be greatly missed by her family including her newest sister a 3 year old bernedoodle named Mia. 

Hey all, Pea here,

Boy, it's hard to believe I’m 9 years old, Raji is the same age so we keep each other young with our playing and wrestling. Gretz on the other hand or paw is 11. He is starting to show his age.

That’s OK as he never leaves Sutyy’s side when she is here. She is jackson’s 4 year old daughter and her and Gretz are bonded like me and Raji.

Mom and Dad got a place at a golf resort this year and have been going there instead of the ranch. We haven’t got to go with yet which is all right as its been unbelievably hot out.

Good thing about that is when they are gone, Jackson comes and stays with us and that’s the only time we get to see him. It's fun because he takes us for rides in dad's old pick up and we occasionally stop for a dairy queen. That’ll be 3 dishes of vanilla please.

Things are going great as it’s a dogs life for me. Talk again soon, Pea

Woohoo, only took about 6 years to finally get up here. It’s a pic of me napping with dad in the recliner. We are all pretty happy about it.

Bye for now, Peanut

Hey all, Peanut here. 

Boy, does time fly... I didn’t realize it has been over a year since dad last wrote. Things are going great. Just think, this winter will be 6 years since I found my forever home. I am really comfortable around mom and dad but still very timid around strangers.

As far as Sutty goes we tend to keep our distance from each other. This is OK as she and Gretz have become BFF’s. I spend most nights sleeping in bed with mom and dad. It took long enough to build that confidence.

Everything else is pretty much the same. Mom and dad work most days and Raji and I just hang out and play and wrestle. Well, have to run!

Hope you are all well, Peanut

Hey all, Peanut here.

It's been a while again since my last post but mom and dad have been really busy with their work. That’s OK, though, as they hired a neighbor girl to come by every day and play outside with us.

I have been really liking life, I spend time in bed with mom and when dad is in his chair I always come up and rest my head on the arm rest. Just waiting to get petted. I'm always doing this every time. So I believe after I figured things out I can't get enough love.

We haven’t been spend really any time at the ranch. With dad's work he pretty much works 6 days a week and long hours and we rest on Sunday.

That’s OK too as they fenced in the woods behind the back yard and that is awesome. So many squirrels to chase and all kinds of smells, maybe once in a while a dip in the river. Best part, though, is they don’t care if we dig back there. My BFF Raji is a digging fool, he has darn near the whole area done then starts again.

The other day the dummy started digging under the shed while laying on his side. He got to the middle and didn’t realize he was burying himself. When mom let us in, no Raji. Mom went out and looked and couldn’t find him and he made no noise and couldn’t see where he may have gotten out.

Mom headed back to the house. That’s when Gretz made her turn around and led her to the shed. She looked underneath and saw what she believed to be Raji.  She got a shovel and started digging and after several minutes had rescued Raji. In the famous words of Bugs Bunny “what a maroooon”.

Well, it's time to go as I have some wrestling to do with my brothers. Oh wait forgot to tell you the best news. There is a new member to our family, Jackson had a daughter a year ago. Sutton Lynne is just the sweetest thing. We don’t get to see her as much as we would like but love her up when we do.

Bye for now, Peanut 

Hey all,

Long time without talking. I will have to get after dad for that. Thing are going good, it’s a dog’s life for me except for a couple instances. A couple weeks ago we helped little brother Max cross the rainbow bridge. He was old and things just weren’t working as they should. It was his time, but we will miss the little fart.

Grandpa was on the other side waiting for him so we are positive they are both happy. As for me, just last Saturday Dad took me and Raji for a walk over to uncle Flashes a ½ mile away. While we were enjoying a beverage someone opened the door and we bolted (seemed like the thing to do).

After looking for a while dad went home thinking we were there beings it was close to home. It wasn’t the bingo dad expected. After waiting a while dad opened the gates to the yard and went to bed. In the morning he went out looking for us, dad found Raji right away by where we left but I wasn’t around.

That worried dad as the 2 of us are always together. Raji is a lot faster than I so I suppose he saw a rabbit and took off and I couldn’t keep up. When I didn’t show up Sunday night either after work on Monday dad was putting out the boards and flyers again. Gretchen who is a RAGOM volunteer in the area, her and Mike came with their dogs to help look.

As they were talking dad’s phone rang and someone had seen me. Mom went home, got the Tyrex and they all met at the bean field ½ mile away from home where I was chasing birds. As soon as I saw the tyrex and heard my brothers I came running out of the field to go for a ride. Boy you want to talk about cockleburs.

They all said their goodbyes after another successful round up and I went home with mom and dad. Raji cried all the way home he was so happy. At home dad had a little chat with Raji that next time this happens he doesn’t leave me behind. Dad doesn’t worry as much when we’re together. After supper we were tired and all went to bed.

Everything is right in my world again.

Talk sooner this time, bye for now.

Peanut

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hi all, we hope you all had a great Christmas season. Ours was awesome. Bones all around and a treat ball toy that we have to bat around and treats fall out. Our house was full of strangers in Christmas eve. I just kinda sat in the corner and watched the festivities with a big smile on my face. I'm so brave now, it didn't freak me out. Some other new developments are that I have been spending a lot of time on the couch. I finally realized how comfy it is. I also have a bit of recall, when outside dad calls me and I come right in. When it's bed time I usually go in the room even if my brothers don't go. About a week ago mom and Raji were in bed, I came in and jumped in bed as well. Mom included a picture of it. 1st time ever for that. It was pretty exciting. It will happen more often as I get more comfortable with it. Only took 3 years to get there the 1st time. 

Here is to all of you ~ hoping the new year finds you happy and healthy! Bye for now, Peanut.

Hi all, Peanut here

Long time no talk. Things have been very busy for us this year. As you know mom and dad noticed that I had a weepy eye in June took me to the vet and sure enough it was Blastomycosis. Thankfully it was caught early enough to where it just affected my eye. After surgery to remove it and 5 months of medicines I am blastomycosis free.

That's right folks, we beat it, what a relief! Only having one eye hasn't changed anything. I'm still mom and dad's sweet girl and my brothers' pain in the butt, although they still love me. This picture is from just after my surgery. Mom made me a special eye patch. It's pretty cool looking. At the ranch, dad calls me the pirate of Beaver Creek.

Bye for now, Pea

Hi all, Peanut here
Well my eye surgery went well. I was quite freaked out after till I got home and realized nothing there has changed with the exception of this stupid cone and eye patch. I have to wear these for about 3 weeks till the stitches are removed. Dr said that it really relieved a lot of pain. Dad went to the store and got a softer cloth cone that is more pliable and comfortable. Makes things much easier. Things seem to be as they were except for the meds make me drowsy. Mom is doing a great job taking care of me and as always I have my Raji for support and comfort. Dad says we are like old Dan and little Ann from "where the red fern grows". It's a book about 2 dogs and their family. The dogs are inseparable. When we go to our Dr appointments we go together, just so we can be there for each other. I will let you know how things go after my check up. Bye for now, Peanut

Hi all

It's been a long time since my last post. There is lots of stuff to tell. Ranch season is in full swing and we have gone every weekend since it quit freezing overnight. I have a ton of fun there and dad hasn't worked Mondays so it's been 3 day weekends each time. I have become a regular ranch dog as I know who the regulars are and bark at strangers as this is my place.

It is sad to report that I have been doctoring. I got that stupid blastomycosis. Fortunately, the Dr thinks we caught it in time. A few years ago that is what took away our family's other little golden. Bad news is that it has severely affected my left eye. High pressure is 25 and mine is at 50. I have surgery on Tuesday to remove the eye. The other eye is OK and I will be just fine with the one. Mom and dad are taking very good care of me and that shouldn't be a problem. My brother Raji is also doctoring. He went in too because they thought he had a blockage as he couldn't keep food down. They had to do surgery and found that it was undigested food causing the blockage. It is called ileus. We think it is under control now, but that isn't his only issue. He has in a human what would be a torn ACL. He goes for acupuncture treatment once a week and has to stay somewhat immobile for 3 months to a year. So this summer is riding in the Tyrex for us. That is just about as fun as running. Dad included a picture of me and mom sharing some love. We will update on the surgery next week. By for now, Peanut

Hi all, Peanut here

Long time with no talk. Winter has been going great, I am getting braver by the day. You wouldn't believe I'm the same dog I was 2 years ago. The holidays came and went without anything major other than being showered with gifts at Christmas. Me and my brothers all get along great. With the warmer temps out we will be heading into ranch season shortly. I love that place. We go almost every weekend. With mom having Mondays off we almost spend more time there than at home which is good. I have free range at the ranch and don't need to be tied out at all. Dad included a picture of me looking at a beach scene and daydreaming about summer. Bye for now, Peanut

Hi all Peanut here

Just wanted to tell about another breakthrough at the ranch. Mom got up way too early on Monday morning and went outside to read a bit with all of us. Well it was starting to get windy and rainy and she was going to go inside. She called for us to come in with her and wouldn’t you believe I followed her and my brothers right in. She didn’t even have to coax me with a Tyrex ride or use a leash. I'm really getting the hang of things, it's nice. Bye for now, Peanut

Hey all, Peanut here

Just a picture of my new favorite activity. The front seat. I called shotgun so I guess that moves dad to the rear.

Hi all, Peanut here

I just wanted to send this picture of me laying by my favorite thing. I am here just chilling waiting for a ride or run in the woods than a swim. I am so attached to the Tyrex that it can't move unless I’m along. Boy do I love this machine.

Bye for now, Peanut

Hi all

Just an update, we got a new brother the other day. His name is Max. Grandma Jo moved last week and couldn't take him along so now he lives with us. I am quite curious of him, and no longer the little one of the house but Dad still calls me his little peanut. Summer has been great, no problems and ranch life is awesome. Wide open space to run, woods for exploring and a river for swimming, but the best part is rides on the Tyrex. I included a picture of Max. check in later and hope the rest of summer goes good for you all. Bye for now, Peanut

New brother Max

Hey everyone, Peanut here

Summer is going great. I no longer have to be tied up at the ranch any more. When they need me and I'm not around they just honk the horn on the Tyrex and I come running. When it's time to go home I hop right in the back seat of the pick-up when it's time to leave. We go almost every weekend. All that running and swimming and fresh air really tires a girl out. When we get home me and my brothers usually sleep for a day or 2. Dad included a picture of us swimming. That's me in the middle. Life is great and I couldn't be happier.

Bye for now, Peanut

Big weekend for Sweet Pea. Got loose as soon as we opened the pickup door on Friday. Went to get her with our Tyrex and she jumped in. So let her loose again. All weekend long she has been loose and running with her brothers and being a dog. Rolling in the grass, running with the Rangers, swimming in the river, etc. Then Mom gets her into the Tyrex so she can warm up by the fire before bed. She even joins the crowd on the decks on her own accord and allows the loving petting from strangers. Huge improvement from last year.

Hi folks, Peanut here

Just wanted to say that I am sure glad winter is over. Last week end was our 1st weekend at the ranch for the year, and yes I remember how much fun that is. When we 1st got there I was on my tie out when uncle Tim came by on his ranger. Well wouldn’t you believe he stopped and I hopped right on the passenger side, so of course he had to take me for a ride. When we were all sitting around outside I even walked up to people I haven’t seen since last year for a how do you do and a pet. My friend Andy also stopped by to visit for a while, he is a nice man. Before we went to the ranch mom took me and my brothers to the vet for check-ups, shots and tick stuff. Visiting Dr. Ohman she found that I have a double ear infection, and Raji has his left ear infected. Funny thing about raji is that when we lay together he is always on my right side so that is why he only has one. We came home with medicine and mom has been treating us. I think it is gone now. Mom says I am the best at getting my ears clean as I don’t put up any fuss, Raji on the other hand is something else. Gretz had no issues and is perfect weight, I could stand to put on a few pounds and Raji needs to lose a couple. This should be accomplished shortly as ranch season has started.

Bye for now, Peanut

Hey all, Peanut here

I was up early today with mom and it was -18 out. We turned on the fireplace and I nestled into my favorite spot. Things have been going great at home. I just wish the warm weather would hurry and get here. We will talk again soon, bye for now Peanut

Hi Everyone

Peanut here. This name seems to be sticking so that is what dad has been calling me. I hope you all had a good Christmas and Happy new year. Ours was good, new Kongs all around and big bones in our stockings. Dad put this collage together of me and my brothers Raji and Gretzky. The old golden is Sherona who mom and dad helped pass over the rainbow bridge. I never got the chance to meet her, she was 14 and had a tumor. I hear others talk about how she was a swimming fool. I have to thank her though for allowing me to take her place in the family. She will always be remembered. We will scatter her ashes in the river at the ranch this summer, where it was her favorite spot. As for me things are going great. I have become a lot more vocal and building confidence by the day. At night when Dad goes to bed he asks, who’s going with. Raji and I usually go to bed then. Hopefully the weather gets nice soon so we can start going to the ranch again. Bye for now, Peanut

Hi everyone, Peanut here

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours wasn’t too exciting. My humans went out for dinner then came home and decorated for the holidays. On Friday Mom and Dad went shopping in the afternoon and left us to have free roam in the house. We haven’t bothered anything until then but with all the shiny holiday stuff me and my brothers just couldn’t resist. Needless to say we turned the house into a shambles. When they got home the neighborhood could hear mom yell “you guys are so grounded.” She must not have been too mad, as to when they got done cleaning up the mess we still received our Thanksgiving bones and Mom even hung up my very own Christmas stocking on the mantle they got for me while shopping. When no one is home it’s in the kennels till after the holidays. There is some good news though. The past couple weeks I have gotten loose from our yard. Dad just opens the gate in the back and lets me run a bit and when that has happened the last 4 times I always come home. I don’t go too far I just like to explore the woods a bit. Last night was a real breakthrough, when mom came home from work and was giving my brothers attention I came up and licked her. Not just once but at least a half dozen times. I think I now realize how nice it is to have a home of my own with people and other dogs who love me. If you don’t hear from me I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bye for now, Peanut

Hi everyone

Peanut here, things are going great. Mom and Dad had artificial sod installed in the back yard and boy is that nice. You can't tell it's fake grass. The best thing about this is no mud. There is no wiping of feet when my brothers and I come in from the yard after playing. Well, I can tell summer is over. We winterized our place at the ranch. We can still go there if we don't get a lot of snow. There is heat but no running water in the winter. It is all right being at home on the weekends, mom and dad are usually watching movies and turn on the fireplace which is my favorite thing in the house. We brought Mom's side by side home as well. We bundle up and still go for rides. I just love that machine. If I don't post in the next few weeks I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Bye for now, Pea

Hey folks,
just a quick note. I still have a ways to go, but pictures like this show I'm getting there. things are going great. Last time at the ranch I got loose and all mom had to do was open the door on the Tyrex and asked if i wanted to go for a ride. The answer was a huge Yes as I jumped right in. Mom is going to NYC next week and Dad has the week off, maybe a little more bonding time with Dad. Bye for now, Peanut

Pea doing her impression of a hood ornament.

Video of Pea riding.

http://youtu.be/4pdziAqk7tA

Hey folks, Pea here this time

Things are going great. This going to the ranch every weekend is awesome. Things at home are great as well. Last Sunday at the ranch I got loose when the leash slipped out of mom’s hand, all she had to do was go over to the Tyrex open the door and said come on Peanut lets go for a ride. Of course I hopped right in. I LOVE that machine. It is almost to the point where I may have free range at the ranch but dad says we have to wait till next summer. I am getting braver at home as well as I will eat outside of my carrier in front of people and have even come to mom and dad for pets. Well bye for now, Pea

Here are some photos of Pea doing her favorite thing. Riding in the woods at the ranch on the Tyrex. She absolutely loves that machine. She forgets that she is a scared dog on it. She even spent a ½ hour on her Dad’s lap. We don’t know who was happier, Dad or Pea.

Well, after escaping the pickup at the ranch, I got to run free for a day. Mom and Dad were just about to set up the traps again when Mom had to go down the hill for ice. I was running in the alfalfa field and saw her and my brothers running next to the tyrex. Mom calls it her side by side. I LOVE riding on that machine. So I followed her and my brothers up to the camper. Mom opened the back door for me and asked me if I wanted a ride. YES. So I jumped in. Mom and Dad were so happy. Then we went for a ride and my ears were flapping in the wind. Felt so good. Then I got to go swimming in the river. Good day.

Pea trying to get her brothers to play chase.  Check it out here.

Hi folks, Pea here again.

Let me tell you about the awesome time I had last weekend. Our family went to our weekend retreat again. Mom figured out a way I could go SWIMMING with my brothers. Boy is that a ton of fun. Mom and dad took us down to the river several times and I am an excellent swimmer even in my 1st time. Then riding around in the woods after, are my 2 favorite things. Now for some real exciting news. On Monday my human brother left the garage door open and when he let us out, me and my brother escaped. My brother hung around the yard but for me I bolted into the woods and river area behind our house. Dad, Jackson and my other brothers went walking looking for me but didn’t see me as the woods are overgrown. Well, later that evening Dad saw that I was in the neighbor’s yard but couldn’t coax me into our fenced area. Dad opened the back gate and waited for me to come in the yard but to no avail. Mom came home from work a little after midnight. She opened the patio door and called “Pea come inside and have some food.” Well, wouldn’t you believe when she called I came right in and headed for my carrier where we take our meals. Boy, talk about progress. I am getting very comfortable with my family especially my Mom. Bye for now, Pea

Pea on her momma's lap on the porch at the ranch.
She has never been more content. She's getting there.

Hi folks, Pea here and time for another update,

Since my last posting there has been another escape. The middle of June my brothers were wrestling in front of the door at the ranch and it popped open and I bolted again. Dad has since fixed this problem. I was on my own for 7 days, but not really. I was never more than 100 yards away from either mom and dad or my brothers. I wasn’t lost or gone they just couldn’t corral me. It became a battle of wills between me and dad as to who would give in first. Dad had built 2 traps like the Missy trap but they wouldn’t work as for the 1st time I escaped I was trapped in one of those. I would lay by the trap door with my feet inside but not go all the way in, and the lasagna that was inside was as tempting as it gets. I am awful smart though. What I did to get the food was dig under the side of the trap. At night I slept on the front step. Mom heard me every night and would check on me and bump me with the door. Well, dad and mom got to thinking about how to catch me using a different trap that I haven’t seen and came up with a net trap. It was elevated above where they put my food and when I came in to eat dad cut the line and it dropped on me. Dad wins this round. Enough of that.

I have been back home for a month now and things are just awesome. My escapes we believe have made me more trusting as lately I have been eating treats in front of mom and dad as long as they hold my brothers back from stealing them. I have actually been spending more time om mom’s lap and even have gotten near dad’s. the other night when we were playing I even jumped up on the couch while playing. 1st time ever I’ve been brave enough to go on furniture. It is taking some time but I am getting there. Everyone thinks I’m the sweetest thing ever. We will update again when we have pictures.

Bye for now, Pea 

Hi Everyone

Pea here or what dad calls me little peanut. Well after my last posting things have been going exceptionally well. After I got readjusted after being lost it has been going great. I put on a little more weight and my tests came back all clear. I have been a lot more trusting around humans as I am starting to see what being a dog is all about. Last week end when we were up at the Ranch and boy was that a ton of fun. Mom had me on the leash next to the bonfire and all the new people didn’t scare me as much as I thought it would. Learning that people are nice. We had an awesome time when mom and dad took my brothers running in the woods. I jumped in the back seat of the Tyrex and we headed out to the woods. Then we stopped by the crossing in the river so my Gretzky and Raji could swim and I even got to go in the water as the tied me to the machine and let me get a little wet. Mom and dad wont let me swim yet as they think it is too dangerous on a tie out and swimming. When we were cleaning up to head home mom was taking the trash out and I jumped in the back seat for another ride. A dog can get really used to this ranch life stuff. Bye for now Pea

Pea working on the antler she found during her recent escapade.

Hi folks

Pea here... it has been a very long time since my last update. I have lots of news good, bad and great. The good news is that a couple weeks ago, mom and dad took me to the ranch which is our weekend place. It is very nice there with woods, rivers and meadows. I enjoy my time there. Now for the bad news. A week ago when there I broke my cable tie out and have been running loose in the woods for a week. Mom and dad did everything they could to try and get me corralled but they had no luck in capture. Of course I was very scared as this was all new to me. Needless to say mom and dad lost a lot of sleep that week. Now for the great news. Dad had made some fliers and posted them all over and called RAGOM when he couldn’t capture me. well wouldn’t you know it the fliers worked as the rural mail carrier seen the flier, called dad and said "I see her every day in the Klath farm shelterbelt." As it turns out the Klath farm is where mom took piano lessons when she was a girl. Mom and dad went there and talked with them and they told them they were feeding me to keep me in the area and I had grown somewhat attached to their 2 goldens. In the meantime on Saturday Mr. Klath had designed a live trap that he put on the one end of the shelterbelt and Dad had received a call that day from Jen with the Lost Dog team that she was on the way. She got there a little after 11 at night and Jen and Dad set up her trap in the rain on the other end of the belt. As you can figure by now dad  was pretty tired and went back to the ranch for some sleep. Wouldn’t you know Jen called dad around 5:00 am that I was caught in Mr. Klath's trap. When Dad and Jen got me back to the ranch, boy were my brothers happy to see me and I was just as happy to see them. When Mom and Dad laid down for a nap my brothers were napping with them, 1st time ever that I went into their room on my own. I had a big Golden smile and a glow in my eyes that mom and dad have never seen before. I think after my experience I have come to realize how nice it is to have a home and people who love me. I would like to thank the rural mail carrier for seeing dad’s flier, the Klath family for being concerned about me and taking care of me, a great big thank you to Mr. Klath for building the trap that finally caught me and another big thank you to Jen from RAGOM for assisting. BIG, BIG thanks to Mom and Dad for being diligent in their search till I got home. We will have more updates and pictures as I have a vet appointment to get to now then to the groomers afterwards. We will post pictures after the salon visit.

Bye for now, P

Hi everyone~

P here, well... last night was my 1st session at school and let's just say I am not ready for that big of a step yet. It was determined I need more work at home yet with Mom & Dad. When Dad finally got me out of the house I did great on the leash and in the car, but at school it was a one on one session and I was glued to Dad's leg. I didn't mind the strangers in the store as long as I was next to Dad. He says we will try again in a couple months, maybe by then I will be treat motivated. Things are going good at home. I am comfortable here and getting more confident by the day. Dad says I am a work in progress and we will get there. Good news is that I have put on a few pounds and am looking good. You should have heard all the compliments I got at the store about how pretty I am.

Bye for now, P

Another breakthrough today. Actually two! I finally started using my big soft pillow bed today. Up til now I just laid my front paws and head on it. But tonight I got really daring and stayed laying down while Mom passed by me. I even gave her the invite to pet my belly by looking at her and spreading my back legs. I love having my back thighs rubbed. Mom was so happy. I think I am finally learning to trust a little.

Hi everyone Sweet P here (Polly 13-354) just an update. I start school on Tuesday. I sure hope I do well. Dad thinks I will be fine. I am still a bit timid and skittish but getting better by the day. Here is a picture of me basking in the sun while mom and dad watch movies. Bye for now

P

Sweet P resting on her new bed

Hi all,

P here. Well, it was pretty nice outside today so the play time was extended for quite a while and boy did we have fun. A couple hours of me and Raji wrestling, I even won a couple matches. Gretz and I played race and chase with the kong as well. Mom and Dad were watching out the window and it didn't freak me out this time. Inside though that is a different story, I will play but not as intense, still very skittish inside. I will let mom cuddle with me on the floor but wont approach anyone yet for loving. Dad continues to try to coax me to his chair for some lap time, I am starting to lean towards him but just don't have the courage to go over yet, key word is yet. I am willing to bet that when I do he will be the happiest person in the world. Mom and Dad talked to the Petsmart lady about what to do to build my confidence. It was recommended that I start taking some classes to socialize with dogs other than my brothers and other humans than my family. That's right folks, I'm going to school.

Dad helped me send a valentine to Rusty, he lost his other little girl about this time last year to the same thing he is dealing with. Happy Valentine Day to all, P.

Hi everyone, P here (Polly 13-354)

Things have slowed down a bit as I am getting used to all the new things. I am getting much better going in and out by myself. I actually follow dad to the door instead of waiting back for him to open then bolt out. This cold weather really stinks as I like to play outside with my brothers, but mom and dad won't let us stay out too long. I am eating my meals all gone and just a matter of time before I put on a few pounds. We are still taking our meals in our crates, but mom and dad prefer this as Raji likes to help me and Gretz finish ours when he is done.

I am enjoying playing with my brothers, napping in a warm spot, chewing on bones, having my ears rubbed and treats. I still won't take a treat from a hand yet but that is getting closer.

Dad here, my little P is such a sweet girl. She has come a long way in a short time. She is still very skittish but becoming very comfortable in her home. We don't know if her bark works as we haven't heard her yet. I am sure by the time spring gets here when we go to the ranch she will be a well adjusted family member and be able to enjoy the meadow, woods and river up there.

Bye for now

P

Close up of P waking from a nap.

Hi everyone Sweet P (Polly 13-354) here. Great news, Dad took me to meet my Dr. today. I went by myself and no problem. I enjoy riding in the pick up. I just sat there looking out the windows and was smiles ear to ear. Dad says I'm the best passenger in the car. When we got there it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought. I was very good in the Dr's office. Dr. Ohman said I was a very healthy little girl and gave me my 2nd treatment for the stupid worms and sent the final treatment home with Dad to give to me in 2 weeks. As for my progress at home I am going in and out of the crate without being led, eating all my meals, going outside on my own in the fence without a tie out, coming in when mom or dad call, and drinking from the community water dish. I haven't taken my treats from a hand yet but I am inching closer to my family members when I want some attention. I still have a long ways to go but I am coming out of my shell nicely. Bye for now Sweet P

Hi everyone, Sweet P (Polly 13-354) here. Let me show you a picture of me and my brother Raji catching our breath from playing. Things have been going great. 3rd night in a row with free roam and no accidents. I am doing much better going through doors as mom and dad don't have to lead me hardly at all anymore I just follow my other brother Gretz in and out. What a huge improvement. I even started going into my crate nicely without slamming into the back. I still need to take my meals in the crate, but when I do I eat it all gone. Mom and Dad say I need to put on a few pounds. Mom has an appointment for me to meet my new vet tomorrow. They just want Dr. Ohman to have my records and give me a once over and meet me. I can't wait for this cold snap to be over so me and my brothers can play outside longer. I am working my way closer to Dad's recliner... it is just a matter of time before I will be sharing his lap with Raji. Auf Veidersien. it means until we meet again.

Sweet P

Sweet P in her favorite spot in her new home. It will feel really good next week when the temps plummet to less than 20 below

Hi everyone Polly 13-354 aka Sweet P here. Dad wanted to share this picture of Gretzky with me in my favorite spot by the fire in the background. 2nd night was great! Mom and dad let me have free roam at night and guess what, no accidents. Mom and dad couldn't be happier with my progress so far. I am still timid about eating my dinner so they are putting all 3 of us in our crates to eat and that seems to be working, it is just a matter of time before this will be worked out as well. Gretz, I get to call him that now that he is my big brother has been awesome for me. He is a wonderful protector and brings out the best in me. As you can see Gretz is wearing his thunder buddy. Mom got me one of my own just like his and honestly it feels good to wear. Gretz has some issues of his own and funny thing about this is that I help him with those.

His mind is always racing and he needs a job, and I am his job. Funny how things work out - he needs me and I need him. For my other brother Raji, I have even started to wrestle and play with him in the house. Huge improvement because it was in front of mom and dad. Well, that is enough for now but dad is pretty diligent on updates.

Sweet P 13-354

Hey fans, Polly here or what my family calls me Sweet P. I have so much exciting news to share I don't know where to start so we will just start from the top. I went to my forever home and holy smoke is that amazing. When mom and dad came to pick me up they brought my fury brothers and are they a treat. Dad says I'm the bet passenger in the car just look how happy my face is in the car. Big brother Gretzky does better in the carrier as he gets a little over zealous riding. He has his favorites when it come to music, Joe Cocker and Led Zeppelin seem to be his favorites. you don't hear a word from him when they are playing. he is not a big fan of the Eagles but then neither is dad. As for me what a series of breakthroughs I have had even in only my 1st night in my new home. Didn't take long for me to move about by myself and check things out and my brothers are great at helping. My other brother Raji is already showing me the finer things in life like the joys of napping, a good bone, a soft bed and dad's lap. It didn't take long for me to figure out what Gretzky's job is, he is head of household security. He felt Raji was playing a little rough and immediately put an end to that. He also really helps with my fear of thresholds. when I am standing by a door he is next to me nudging my cheek till I go through. And when we are outside he won't leave me till I am ready to come in. Inside mom and dad have a gas fireplace which I absolutely love. Mom turned it on while we were watching TV, I went right over and plopped down in front. It is so warm and inviting. I can't wait for the next movie. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the best part. My boy as the folks say (he is almost 22) came home last night. He gives of this aura that I was immediately drawn to. 1st thing he did was give me a hug and believe it or not I even stole my 1st kiss. Well that is enough for now just wanted to let you all know how exciting things are and how great things went on my 1st night. Stay tuned for further updates and photos. Bye for now Sweet P

Hi Folks, Polly here this time,

FD thought it would be good for me to do this update, so here goes.
 
After being back home from my "vacation" for a few days FD figured out if he put me outside alone on the tie-out, I would do my potty business. If my foster sister Ziggy was out there, I was too distracted. I tricked foster dad one time after he let me in and Ziggy went out. I bolted out the door without being hooked up on the tie-out. The yard is fenced. I followed Ziggy wherever she went and came back in the house with her, no problem. After that FD let me go out with just a leash dragging. I did my business just fine and came back in with FS Ziggy. I do need to be out for a while to get things done.

I now stay in the big wire crate most of the time. FD does close the door at night and if he leaves the house. I feel very safe in the crate and like to see what is going on in the kitchen. I do go lay in the living room some times but prefer the crate.

Last week FD loaded me and Ziggy in the Suburban and went to the vet's office. I don't mind riding but stay close to Ziggy. FD brought me and Ziggy in but then left me behind. I was there for spay surgery. Dr. Larson did the surgery. I did very well but was pretty groggy yet when FD and Ziggy came to pick me up to go back home. FD and Ziggy kept a close eye on me for the next couple days. Unfortunately I got diarrhea and ended up going back to see Dr. Larson. He said it was just nerves but that I did have worms. So I got some wormer and some meds for the diarrhea. All was good the next day. FD said since I didn't try to lick the incision, I didn't have to wear a cone, whatever that is. FD said I wouldn't have liked it so , I guess that is a good thing.

Before I went for spay surgery, FD told me there was a family interested in meeting me. He said they sounded like a very good match and was excited for me. I hadn't thought much about being adopted. Maybe my new family would have dogs near my age for me to learn from and play with.

Also before my surgery FD took me in the bathroom and shut the door. I wasn't sure what was going on. FD put me in the shower and gave me what he called a "Bath". I was a bit scared , as I am of most new things. FD said I did very well. I did smell much better afterwards and my fur was softer. FD said that I need to be clean for my surgery and when the interested family comes to meet me.

On Thursday FD was cleaning up around the house and printing copies. He said that He was getting ready for the family that was coming to meet me. A couple hours later they showed up. I didn't seem to mind them too much but was a little scared as usual. They took turns petting me and talking to me. Then the fun began. They went outside and came back with 2 dogs. Their names were Rogy and Gretski. They were also rescue dogs before they were adopted. We all went outside in the fenced area and had a great time. FD said it was the happiest he had ever seen me! My tail was way up and I was having tons of fun. We played for quite a while even though it was pretty cold out.

FD talked for quite a while with Jim and Connie. He said they had talked a lot on the phone also. Jim and Connie and Rogy and Gretski left to go have lunch and think about adopting me. FD said he needed to think a little also.

Well wouldn't you know it that Jim and Connie came back and did want to adopt me!  Rogy and Gretski are going to be my brothers! I guess I'll have a human brother also. FD and my new parents, Jim and Connie did some paperwork and more talking. Then I got to leave with my new family. FD was a bit sad to see me leave but very happy to see I now had my own family.

Thank you so much to my sponsors ,RAGOM, my transporters, temp foster mom, Ziggy and FD for helping me to my new and better life. Polly 13-354

Thank You so much to Sara S and family for sponsoring Polly in remembrance of Dixie.

Polly went to a different foster for a "vacation." The change in environment helps fearful dogs overcome some of their fears many times. Since Polly's last update, she has returned to me and unfortunately, most of her progress hasn't held true. Polly does go outside now, but will not do her potty business out there. On the bright side, Polly will now follow me around outside in the fenced area on a leash. Huge improvement!

Polly still spooks easily in the house, but seems to be a bit more comfortable outside. Polly only wants to follow and stay close to my resident dog outside. I have been able to pet her more inside and have had her lean into me while I pet and hold her.

Polly has come near me, laid down, and chewed a bone. This isn't all the time, but is a huge step in the right direction. Polly also watched from a distance while I prepared her meal.

Yesterday, Polly went to the vet without being in a crate. She did very well. She had resident Ziggy with her and stayed pretty close to her during the ride. She did very well at the vet getting her last vaccine. She also got a low-dose prescription for some anti-anxiety meds to help her overcome her fears. Nothing to make her drowsy or "out of it," just a little help.

I will be scheduling Polly's spay surgery soon. Thanks for checking in on Polly and Thank You again to Sara S and family for sponsoring Polly. Without sponsors and donors, none of this would be possible.

Polly was with a sitter over the holidays and here's what they had to say:

Polly is just the sweetest girl! She is quite unsure of humans (and leashes), but once you establish a safe connection with this sweet girl, she LOVES the attention! When she is calm, she even closes her eyes when you scratch behind her ears! While she was here, she NEVER (not even once!) went potty in the house! She needs a fenced yard, but we also put her on a tie-out. This helps keep her safe, as Puppy Mill (PM) dogs have a tendency to run the fence line in circles, which can make them more anxious. She did GREAT in her kennel overnight and when we left! No barking and even started coming out of the kennel on her own when the big dogs came around. I can tell you from experience, dogs that have "issues," like PM dogs, are by FAR the most rewarding and loving dogs you could ever dream to become a part of your family! It's the little, everyday victories that just keep coming! While she was here, we were excited when she did things like: went in her kennel, came out of her kennel, came in from outside on her own(!), laid down while we petted her, drank from the community water dish, and many others! If you're interested in learning more about Polly, or possibly networking with PM fosters or adopters about the true JOY these types of dogs can bring to your life, PLEASE contact your placement adviser! We would LOVE to hear from you! Polly is waiting! :)