Moose The Dog Blog!

Moose and the "big" snow!

2009-03-18T23:08:00.007-04:00

These pictures are a few weeks old, but better late than never! We rarely get snow in eastern NC, but when we do, the children and dogs love it! We don't know if Mooselet has ever seen snow before, but he had a great time playing in it. He's such a cutie full coat.

Luke, Carlee, Carlos and Baylee playing in the snow!

Ralph in the snow.

Moose wanting to come out and play with the children and Ralph!

Moose laying in the snow. One of the few pictures of him actually staying still and not just ending up with the infamous Moose butt shots!

I love this picture of Mooselet running full blast towards Carlos and the children. Love the ears!

Moose is doing really well. He hates having a ponytail up front, but it helps him to see. I'm not sure if he rubs the ponytail out or if he has a little boy that helps him out! I think Luke and Mooselet are truly partner's in crime somedays.

It's been 6 months!

2009-01-05T20:28:00.008-05:00

It was last July 4th that we met Mini Moose at Stew's house in GA. After spending a few hours with the fuzzy dogs in the back yard, we all decided that Mini Moose would be joining us the next morning for the ride home to NC.

Mini Moose has been a great addition to our family and we all love him more with each passing day. Above are a several of my favorite pictures of the Mooselet. Enjoy!

Christmas with children and Sheepies....what else do you need?

2008-12-28T14:12:00.003-05:00

Christmas with a new puppy in the house is always interesting. You never know if they are going to be interested in the tree with all of it's lights and decorations or if the tree is going to be a victim of the Zoomers that Sheepies seem to get on a daily basis. I felt it best to put up ornaments that weren't breakable and wouldn't break my heart if they got broken or chewed. We only had two ornaments fall victim to the Mooselet. I thought this was pretty good odds since he has probably never seen a Christmas tree in his life.

Mooselet enjoyed the holidays with everyone home. Above is one of my favorite pictures after Santa had visited.

The next day, Friday, December 26th, our little baby Fuzzlet turned 2! He got a new chew toy and a bag of chewie sticks.

Kristi, lucky Mom to Mini Moose and Ralph

Fun Games According to Mooselet

2008-12-04T21:30:00.004-05:00

The weather is still pretty nice here in NC and Ralph and Mini Moose have been spending more time outside in the afternoon. Mini Moose has discovered two really fun games. One is Hide and Seek. He loves to run the fence line and run figure eights around the trees and swingset. After he gets that first burst of energy out, he "hides" behind a really big pine tree and waits for Ralph to come out from the Azelea bushes. Of course, then the chase is on! Mini Moose thinks he's so sneaky. It's really fun to watch them run and play together.

Moose's other favorite game to play is Keep Away. Of course, I don't find the humor in this game when I have to leave to take the children to school or I have to go to work. I have found that if I let Ralph out of the fence that Mini Moose will give in after a few minutes and will come and sit by the gate so we can go back to the house. He doesn't like to be outside by himself. He's a pretty smart fuzzlet.
Labels: Sheepdog Rescue

Moose Antics...

2008-11-05T21:50:00.001-05:00

Moose Antics Mini Moose is a delightful, funny little dog.

His favorite spot to sleep when we're not home is right by the back door. More times than not, we have to open the door slowly to slide him out of the way. Good thing we don't have carpet anymore, makes sliding so much easier! He also loves to sleep in front of the fridge. Of course it's always when I'm trying to cook dinner. So I do the typical "nudge the puppy" to get him to move. Unfortunately Mini Moose was never taught as a puppy that the nudge means move out of the way. He just lays there and gives you a look as to say "what, I'm sleeping here".

Mini Moose and Puddy are making some headway on their relationship. Several times they've been on the couch or bed together. Puddy is learning to move slowly while Moose is around or make the mad dash when he's looking the other way. Freckles on the other hand is still trying to hide whenever she's in the house. I found Mini Moose standing on the night stand today barking at Freckles on the chest of drawers. I tapped his little wiggle butt and pointed to the bed. He followed the direction and laid down for a nap. What a good boy he is.

We love this little guy and all that he's brought to our lives.

Until next time,
Kristi

Trial and Error!

2008-10-24T10:15:00.003-04:00

Well, Stew is teaching me the ways of Blogging! This should be interesting and also a fun learning experience. I will now be able to load my own pics and hopefully video antics of the Mooselet. Stay tuned and wish me luck!

Kristi

I got a Mooselet Update!

2008-10-16T10:50:00.004-04:00

(Trumpet Fanfare)!!! From his new Family:

Long Overdue Mooselet Update!

Moose has been with us for 3 months now. We are still working through the puppy stage and finding out things that Moose likes and dislikes. As you can tell from the picture, he loves being the center of attention. He is still learning how to live with two kitties, or should I say they are learning how to live with Moose! As I posted on the OES List, I came home one morning to find Moose on top of the chest of drawers with Freckles (the cat) trapped in the corner. He was happily barking his little fuzzy head off. Freckles did not find it nearly as much fun as Moose did.

Moose has become a very accomplished counter surfer, up high, down low, he doesn't care. If it smells interesting, he's going to get into it. I've been forced to put all the children's lunch snacks in containers with lids. Moose out smarted me by bumping the container to the floor and off came the lid! He helped himself to granola bars and oatmeal pies. Now, if he would just figure out how to throw his trash away!

Moose is also doing well with learning sign language. He sits, stays, shakes and lays down pretty consistently. We will work on a couple more commands over the next few months. He is a very smart dog. It's amazing how many people want dogs put down because of their deafness. Sad, very sad. They are missing out on some really great companions.

Here is a picture of Moose sleeping on the couch. I'd say he's pretty comfortable here and for that we are very happy! We all love that "funny little puppy" as my husband calls him.

So I Wonder

2008-09-28T00:00:00.002-04:00

Moose is adopted. What should I do with this blog? I can't seem to get the new owners of Moose to take over posting (as much as I'd like it). I wonder if I should keep this or let it go or just abandon it. Any thoughts?

Anyone in Southern Ontario?

2008-09-27T11:59:00.001-04:00

Read below. If this doesn't tug at your heartstrings, you're not human.

From my friend Jan (via email)

OK, this pair of dogs has really hit my soft spot. Especially after talking to the vet and finding out that *today* is their birthday [ed. their birthday was actually yesterday 9/26]. So I am sitting here crying ........

Max and Katie are 11 years old today. They are brother and sister and have been together their entire lives. And they need someone special to give them a chance to live a longer and happy life.

Their owners lived in Chicago. The older gentleman who owned them passed away about a month ago. His wife had passed away about 1 month before that. The police came, and were going to take Max and Katie away. But a very kind neighbor, who had known and loved both the people and the dogs convinced the police to let her have the dogs and try and find them a new home.

She (the woman, her name is Rose) has had custody of the two dogs since sometime in mid August when the previous owner died. She cannot keep them in her apartment where she lives, so she had convinced her brother to keep them at this house until she can find help. I have a feeling that the brother is tiring of this arrangement. She has called a LOT of people. OES rescue was the only rescue to call her back. She was even calling vets (including one who suggested that she just bring them in, and he would put them to sleep for her). She leaves work every day and drives over to her brother's house to let them out, help take care of them and spend time there. She also describes herself as "not a dog person". She is just trying to help the dogs of her old friends, and the dogs themselves.

She says that they are nice dogs. They are friendly. Since the brother has had them, only one day did one of the dogs go to the bathroom in the house. He leaves them loose in the house and they have not caused any other problems. They are quiet, sweet dogs. She said that when she goes over to the house she lets them outside. She was surprised that they did not want to run around, they just came back and sat by the door to be back in with the people. They lie around, and do not jump on people, but they do come when called, but seem confused on why they are there ........ they come to be petted when asked. But are getting more friendly as they adjust to the different situation ........

I have talked to the vet who has taken care of them since 1997, and Katie is very healthy. Max has some pain from hip dysplasia and some inflammation in his spine, so he limps and probably cannot do stairs. The vet just late last year started him on Deramax and thyroid medication. Can someone find a place in their heart and home for these guys.

Jan and Sadie (we will deliver Max and Katie ...)

And someone did! There is a woman in Ontario, Canada who wants to bring Max and Katie to live with her. The rescue organizations are trying to facilitate transportation now. If you are in the Southern Ontario area, would you consider contacting Jan (jan@buy-a-boat.com) or me?

Moose Update (by proxy)

2008-08-23T13:35:00.003-04:00

Moose is doing well I hear.

I'm going to visit him and his new family soon (we're going to the TOES picnic). I'm really looking forward to seeing him again and getting to meet some new people.

I was supposed to turn this blog over to Kristy but she's been so busy that we've never made the swap. Hopefully this will happen at some point.

I'd just like to thank again all the people that helped put out the word on sweet little Moose.

-Stew

Moose Wisdom

2008-07-09T19:24:00.001-04:00

From the ages...

If it smells good

eat it

if you can't eat it

roll in it

This will be fun.

That is all~

Since Mooselet is a fan of the feline

2008-07-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

I figured that I'd give Kristi some help with meal preparation ideas for Mini Moose...

Catloaf has long been a standard main dish in America, and according to John Mariani in "Encyclopedia of American Food And Drink," was first seen in print as early as 1899. For many, meat of cat created in loaf form is an ultimate comfort food, bringing back pleasant childhood memories of family meals.

There are many ways to cut the calories and enhance the flavor of ordinary Catloaf, from tasty additions to spicy toppings. Ground cat is a great choice for your Catloaf, since excess fat in fattier ground cat meats is absorbed by breadcrumbs. Use soft bread crumbs in place of dry for a moister Catloaf, or substitute grated potato or carrots for a portion of the meat, which will also eliminate some of the calories. Baking the Catloaf on a rack will keep it out of the fatty drippings. Sharon Tyler Herbst, author of "The Food Lover's Tiptionary," describes a method for making your own meat loaf pan by piercing holes in an inexpensive loaf pan then setting it on a rack in a larger baking pan.

Another great thing about Catloaf is that you can bake it in the oven, microwave, electric roaster, or crock pot. Truly, the only limit is your imagination! If Mom's basic Catloaf has lost its appeal, try one of this week's featured recipes or create your own with some of the tips below.
Enjoy!

Tips and flavor-enhancing ideas:

For more flavor and a juicier Catloaf, add about 1/4 cup of tomato juice, wine, or broth for each pound of Cat meat.
Bake in muffin tins or mini-loaf pans for individual servings.
Kittens optional but the meat is tender and juicy
Use leftovers sliced in sandwiches or crumbled in sauces or chili.
Replace some of the liquid in the recipe with red wine or dark beer.
Add a cup of grated or shredded cheese to the Catloaf and top with more cheese about 10 minutes before it's done.
Replace liquids with red wine or dark beer.
Make the finished Catloaf extra fancy by frosting with mashed potatoes and topping with cheese; return to the oven and cook until the cheese is melted.

And now for some Cat Recipes that you can use at home for your dogs:

This Cat loaf is an old-fashioned favorite, made with lean ground cat or kitten, chili sauce, oats, and other ingredients and seasonings.
INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 pounds lean ground kitten or 1 pound lean ground cat and 1/2 pound ground pork
3/4 cup oats, quick or old-fashioned
1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons water or milk

PREPARATION:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion; cook, stirring, until tender, about 7 to 9 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix ground cat or cat and pork mixture, oats, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, beaten egg, celery and onion mixture, and the water or milk. In a 13x9-inch baking pan, shape meat mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf. Bake at 375° for 1 hour. Using 2 spatulas, carefully move Cat loaf to a serving plate and slice.
Serves 6 to 8.

Lions and Tigers and Mooses OH MY!

2008-07-07T18:51:00.003-04:00

By Kristi

Saturday morning we all went to Stew and Jennifer’s house to pick up Mini Moose and head back to NC. After letting the puppies play for a little while, collecting all of Moose’s things, we loaded up the truck and started our 500 mile journey home. We folded down the middle seats in the Suburban giving the dogs a good 4 X 5’ space to lie down and be comfortable. Trying to convince Mini Moose that while there was enough room to play, riding down the interstate was not the best time to initiate play with Ralph.

When we stopped to get lunch, Carlos took the dogs out for a short walk. Before I could get to the back of our truck, a van stops to ask about the dogs. It turns out the lady has two OES of her own. We told her that we had just adopted Mini Moose and shared the blog address with her. Before I got in to order our lunch, I got stopped by yet another lady asking about the dogs. She thought they were OES but had not seen one shaved down and thought they were beautiful.

Once home, Mini Moose and Ralph played for a little while before sacking out for the night. Ralph found his favorite place on the nice cool floor while Mini Moose found his spot on the couch. Both puppies slept through the night.

Today has been a lazy down here in eastern NC. The dogs have played inside and outside for a while. Mini Moose introduced himself to the two cats in the house. One cat, Freckles, stood her ground with Mini Moose. The other cat, Puddy, decided her best bet was to run. Needless to say, the chase was on! Hopefully in time they will all find a way to live together, let’s hope that time is soon.

We have promised to keep this blog up-to-date with Stew’s help. He and Jennifer have done an excellent job in fostering this little guy getting him ready for his furever home. More to follow as Mini Moose Magoo settles into life here with cats, another OES and three upright children.

Moose Adoption Slideshow

2008-07-06T12:34:00.001-04:00

Enjoy,
Stew

Moose Tracks

2008-07-04T21:36:00.000-04:00

Moose has had quite an adventure with us. He's largely housebroken (unless it's raining outside, he's apparently scared of water), he's just an absolute joy with his love of life and wonderful attitude. He's come quite far.

But it's time for him to go a little further. This time without us. He's going to his furever home. I didn't want to spoil the surprise but it's finally happening for him. A wonderful WONDERFUL family is going to be lucky enough to add Mini Moose to their repertoire of sheepies.

Many many thanks to everyone who helped, in thought, word or deed. The feeling I get knowing that he's going to a great home is unbelievable.

Here he is with the new family.

Letter to manufacturer

2008-07-03T20:41:00.001-04:00

Dear Manufacturer,
You seem to have faulty merchandise that you're trying to foist off on the public. I'm very upset to find out that this dog cannot hear. Obviously this dog is defective. Worthless. Nobody could want him I'm sure.

Oh sure he's as cute as all the other dogs. Cuter even sometimes. But he can't hear me tell him no. I don't get the head tilt that I'm expecting when I say his name. In fact, what good is it to even name him? He can't hear.

Yeah there are moments that he shows an unbelievable amount of affection. Cuddling up with me and touching me. It seems that he's always touching me. Why? Is it because he can't hear that he's so attuned to touch? He sleeps so close to me. It's unusual and I'm uncomfortable with all this affection. Why can't he just be a "normal" dog?

I think that in light of all these obvious flaws; his sweet loving nature, his need to be touched and near the ones he loves, his overwhelming intelligence -- it's simply best that he just be put down.

Nobody could possibly want a deaf dog.

The preceding is a tongue in cheek, satire.

PLAY WITH ME!

2008-07-02T23:34:00.002-04:00

Major Mooselet update coming soon!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2008-06-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

Ssssssh Moose came to work with me today.

The Park

2008-06-28T14:44:00.003-04:00

Moose and I visited the park this morning. He had a great time running and playing. Got to meet new people (lots of new people) and I can officially say that 1.5 hours on a bike will completely wear out an 18 month old Sheepdog. See photographic evidence below:

Please note the positioning of the ear. He's placed the ear on the remote control (I swear this is true) because he knows that if I get up and move to the chair, I'll take the remote with me. This way any movement of the remote will awaken him and invoke Insano Puppy TM.

Frolicking Moose Monsters

2008-06-27T22:13:00.005-04:00

This is the next door neighbor's dog "Jackson". This guy loves to run and play. He's used to being around my dogs and trying to get them to play (they just won't). He was bowled over by the amount of energy that Moose displayed. Enjoy.

Oh and as a side note, I finally figured out the newer version of VideoDub so the videos won't be quite so dark and/or crappy looking. No accounting for talent behind the lens still but...

Moose version 1.1

2008-06-27T21:43:00.003-04:00

He is a different dog. Completely changed. It's astonishing. I took Moose to work with me today (had a meeting first thing so I picked him up at the vet at lunch when I returned to the office). He hung out and mostly slept on the floor behind my chair or on the couch. He likes the couch because a. It's soft, b. It's by the window so he can look out, c. Previous works best when he's conscious, d. Which is rarely.

If dogs wore clothes, he'd have on a Hawaiian shirt, flip flops and be without pants. Do dogs wear pants? Nevermind.

I snapped a picture of him with my crappy camera phone of him doing a dismount from the couch. This move took probably twenty seconds to complete. He's a trip.

I'm downloading the videos of him playing with the neighbor's dog. It'll be up shortly.

"Working"

2008-06-26T21:33:00.003-04:00

Thanks to 14 Karat you too can laugh your arse off!

This just cracked me up.

Doing great

2008-06-26T21:00:00.003-04:00

Today was bath day. He spent the day at the vet and got all prettified. Very cute smiley boy today.

Saw this on Rachel Lucas' site today (or got around to reading my rss feeds anyway).

It's a Maltese puppy named Hope who was born without front legs. This'll tug the heartstrings.

Moose blogging resumes tomorrow. He had a "play date" with a neighboring doggie. Lots of fun.

Fetch!

2008-06-25T22:00:00.003-04:00

The video speaks for itself.

I can't say anything. I'm still laughing too hard. I'm sorry.

*update* I predicted this.

Separation Anxiety Much?

2008-06-25T07:05:00.004-04:00

Mooselet is clingy. Major clingy. He apparently has separation anxiety.

This is a big thing with deaf dogs I'm learning. They have to see you. Like all the time. If I walk into another room, Moose Monster has to come and find me. It got pretty bad. Like "I'm getting in the shower and there's a Moose in the bathroom FREAKING OUT" kinda bad! When I'd shut the bathroom door slidey thing he would scratch on it.

So I solicited advice from the OES Mailing list. And I got lots of good ideas to approach this problem.

Major improvements. I let him walk his goofy ass in the shower. No further encroachment was made. I've found that standing by the door when he goes outside helps. He can see me through the glass and he goes about his business. He still prefers me to go out with him but at least we're making some progress.

Oh Hai!

2008-06-24T21:17:00.003-04:00

Rachel Lucas and John Hopkins were nice enough to link to dear sweet Moosafus Maximus Minimus' humble little blog. Welcome all the new visitors! Mini Moose says "Oh Hai!". And here is a giant Moose Face for you!

KTHX

Moose Video

2008-06-23T21:47:00.004-04:00

From HIS perspective.

There is no sound during this video because I want you to experience what he experiences. Some people think that a lack of hearing is a terrible impediment. Nothing could be further from the truth for this guy. He's just so very happy. A touch for him is a symphony.

Concentration

2008-06-22T20:47:00.002-04:00

I'm so lucky to know this sweet little dog. Everything that he does is cuter and sweeter than the one before. We got him chew bones so he could work off some of that crazy puppy energy...

He's a big fan.

The June 19th Adventure (Part two)

2008-06-21T12:36:00.001-04:00

Part deux of the June 19 adventure finds us back at home after narrowly avoiding death by feline. Here's an artists rendition of the cat shortly after meeting Mini Moose.

So, the rest of the evening was uneventful, played with him a bit and worked on our behavior some (I find he's more willing after a good long walk). It was getting late so I decided to give it a try with him in the bed. In a short time, we achieved a snuggle factor of 9.8.

Jen arrived shortly afterward and, being the heartless soul that she is, kicked him out of bed. Banished, without fanfare to the garage. He's been pretty good but I figured for the peace of the house I'd leave him out there for the evening with a chew bone and the big soft fluffy dog bed.

Next morning I wake up and Jen isn't there. Strange. I go downstairs after a bit and see her in the kitchen cleaning up after feeding the dogs. Doubly strange, she pretty much never gets up in the morning. And there's Mr. Moose just wiggly as ever underfoot. Says she, "I heard something and came downstairs. Guess who was outside the front door scratching like crazy?"

screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech

What? How in the world could he have gotten outside??? I knew that the pen wouldn't hold him (he broke out of that in no time) but he pulled a Buck somehow. Except that the window was CLOSED! You're thinking, yeah right it was closed. But it was. Because I was freaked about him getting out I came back downstairs after I put him up and physically closed it. And he was there when I closed it.

The only thing I can think is that maybe the latch didn't close properly. It's either that or Mini Moose has thumbs. The screen is just gone. No idea where it is. I think my Houdini must have seen me close the window and worked it open. No telling how long that took. I'm just glad he didn't run off. That would SUCK! I guess maybe he likes it here. Not to hard to figure out why knowing the little that I do about where he came from.

So we've been doing limited experimentation with him off leash. Don't worry, I'm going to be very very careful. I live in a small subdivision at the end with almost no traffic. There are six houses past mine. Five of the six have dogs. He's still leashed 90% of the time but it might not be a bad idea to get him used to really watching me. And I think I'm going to try to build a vibrating collar. I know I could get one inexpensively but it might be fun to make him one. There's this certain RC helicopter that may never fly again you see...

Sweet Face

2008-06-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul.

The soul likes it when you rub it under it's snout.

The June 19 Adventure (Part One)

2008-06-20T20:40:00.000-04:00

So last night I took The Majestic Mööse (His Majesty the Moosafus Minimus) on a long bedtime walk. I eschewed biking because my neck and back feels sort of like a cross between [insert something bad] and [insert something worse]. Walking was much better if you know what I'm saying.

And so we walked around the neighborhood, down the street and into another neighborhood (probably two or three miles total) and on the way back we met... da dum DAAAAAAAAA

A CAT!!!

So I figured whatever. He's on a leash and if the cat turns into Satan on us I can always yank him back to safety. So we approached. and here's what happened:

The cat noticed him.
The cat sank to the ground in a pose reminiscent of a soldier in a foxhole.
The cat apparently had hidden under it's fur a fully fueled Boeing 747, three diesel dump trucks, Megadeth (the band) and an entire concert stadium of hopped up Megadeth fans. I say this because they all suddenly turned on.
The cat then turned into Satan.

And Moosafus Minimus the Majestic just wanted to play...

He's not too bright occasionally. Because I'm pretty sure that even being deaf he could hear the sounds that cat was making. I didn't sleep well and probably won't for a week from the nightmares.

Tomorrow, the rest of last night's saga. You'll freak. I did.

But here's my little Mini Moose learning to sit!

I realize that I'm not doing a very good job of signing but 1. I have only one hand and the ASL sit command takes two and 2. as long as I'm consistent he doesn't care. And he's LEARNING! He's being a very sweet, smart and good boy. When he's not being bad.

Of spills and thrills

2008-06-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

Mini Moose and I have been spending a lot of time together. He's not quite ready to have the run of the house but he's getting pretty close. Exercising a dog is, I think, an important part of both bonding with a dog and relieving some of the natural stress that a predator like a dog generates. So I've been a big proponent, when applicable, of using a bike to help get a dog really good and worn out. And it's worked really really well generally speaking.

So yesterday late I decided to give it a try with Mini Moose. And he did pretty well. Stayed right next to me the whole time and kept up. It was amazing to me that he caught on so well. I got a good bike ride in and he got worn out!

And this morning I got up early and decided to repeat the successful bike ride. Unfortunately I didn't get his buy in...

We've been riding for about two minutes and we're on our way down a fairly large hill. Fiona got the Mooselet a harness because she was worried about the cut and since he looks really cute in it, I left it on him. Usually when I'm running a dog on the bike and they're wearing a collar I have a very light grip on the retractable leash. You know, in case of an unexpected telephone pole or mailbox segue. But since this is a harness and he weighs 45lbs I held on like normal.

Guys are strange creatures I've learned. When a guy sees something dropping, we try to catch it. It doesn't matter if it's a knife or a lump of uranium, if we can catch it, we're gonna. Same with something getting pulled out of a guy's hands. We feel a jerk, we clamp down.

I'm traveling down the hill at a fairly good clip and Mini Moose decides to sniff something. Partially behind a mailbox. Mini Moose is stronger than he looks. I felt the leash jerk and grabbed hold. Moose flattened and the leash wrapped partially around the mailbox.

I ate it.

I'm lying there thinking, "Thank God I had the presence of mind to fall in the grass instead of on the concrete when up comes Mr. Moose with this happy grin and the leash dragging behind and I just had to laugh.

Wrenched my neck pretty bad so I'm not 100%.

What a difference a day makes

2008-06-18T22:14:00.000-04:00

Mini Moose has been going for a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening. He was daysat today by my vet (for half a day) and then came to the office. He had a blast. We were pretty miserable. I almost duct taped him to a ceiling fan. Talk about nervous energy... Chew bones to the rescue though. He was pretty happy as long as that bone lasted.

When we returned home I gave him a big bone that I got him. He hasn't been very interested in this chew bone until now. But NOW..., check it out!

He's doing amazingly well.

Sleepy Sheepy

2008-06-17T23:12:00.000-04:00

Mini Moose got a haircut today. You'll be pleased to know that it has not affected his ability to sleep soundly...

Before

After

The good, the cute and the woofy

2008-06-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

The Good:
Walking on the leash. He's tremendous! No pulling, no bad behavior at all. I can NOT believe it. Yesterday when I took him on his first walk it was like trying to walk 110 cats hopped up on meth and Redbull.

The Cute:
Okay this is a little out of chronological order. I took him for a fairly long walk and he just crashed when we got back. He's beyond exhausted. Video follows (sorry so dark):

The Woofy:
He discovered the TV today. He walked over, took one look and started barking. I was sitting on the couch in convulsive laughter because he was barking his warning bark at the TV and every couple of seconds he would get startled as a new scene would come on. Then he'd bark again. Too funny. I tried to get some video footage but I don't know if it came out. Regardless it was incredibly cute.

What have YOU learned about deaf dogs today?

2008-06-16T16:34:00.000-04:00

I learned that to a deaf dog, barking in the car is more than an art form. It's a necessity. I'm kinda surprised that you don't have more stories of people driving off cliffs due to a barking deaf dog in the back seat. Because let me tell you I was tempted.

Took Mini Moose to the vet today. My vet is fantastic. They're right around the corner from my office and I've worked with them for years now. Absolutely great folks. Top notch. And here's the really good news:

Mini Moose is heartworm negative!

This was a huge fear as heartworm positive dogs drastically increase the cost and length of fostering (Zoe wants him OUT of her house!). So really good news there. Full vet workup today and tomorrow he's going to have "his pockets picked" in the immortal words of Grannie Annie.

Mini Moose!

2008-06-15T21:49:00.000-04:00

He's just a tiny little baby. Marie mentioned Mini Moose and that's going to stick I think. This dog may be actually made of sugar and spice and love and bunnies and rainbows. He is so sweet!

Tomorrow is bath day! And grooming! And getting that cut looked at...

Ze Moose! He eez a loose!

2008-06-15T19:51:00.000-04:00

Moose touchdown at about 7.15pm tonight!

Moose, is actually a pretty scrawny fella. Mouse might be a more apt descriptor.

If the energy of Ze Moose could be harnessed, America would be free of dependence on foreign oil. He bounces. Every-freaking-where!

We took pictures!

This is a cut that sweet little Moosie suffered at the hands of his previous owner. She was trying to cut out the mats. It's pretty bad. Moose will be by the vet first thing in the morning.

He's just as sweet as you can imagine.

Welcome Moose

2008-06-15T10:19:00.001-04:00

Hey, welcome to the Deaf Moose Dog Blog. I'm your host, Stew Magoo (names have been changed to protect the guilty) and I'll be guiding you through your journey with Mr. Moose, the deaf Sheepdog.

I don't have a photo of Moose yet so I'm going to come up with an artists conception. Hold on.

Deafness in dogs is fairly prevalent and I've always wanted to work with a deaf dog. It looks like I have a challenge too. This dog, in addition to being deaf, is not housebroken, may have tremendous health issues (we just don't know) and has never been inside. Additionally this dog has never met Zoe, who is sweet to me and other humans, but evil embodied when it comes to other dogs.

I've been reading like crazy the DDEAF Training Tips at deafdogs.org in an attempt to get up to speed on how to handle this. I feel pretty comfortable that I'll be able to cope and hopefully we'll have some good progress to report soon.

I hope (fervently) that Moose looks better than my drawing too. He'll be arriving here in just a couple of hours. Subscribe to the rss feed for updates. I plan on updating at least daily.