A Bit of Hair of the Dog

 Sending Opal on her way

The toughest thing we did today, saying So long! to Opal.

 Someone in New York state may not know it yet, but a beautiful black and tan princess is headed their way. Whoever you are, rest assured this gal will steal your heart in a heartbeat.

Nothing about fostering rescue dogs is tougher than that final day. When it came down to it, all I could do was lead Opal into Dog Runner's capable hands, turn and walk away. 

Even as I type, I can't look at the picture here on the right. Somehow, these lines are blurry on the screen.

This, I suppose, is the selfish side of fostering. Damn dog!

We would have liked more time to visit with Dog Runner and to learn a bit more about the road trip our Texas hounds are taking to DeWitt, NY. DR's transport can handle up to 60 dogs, each with their own private travel crate. The logistics of potty stops, exercise breaks, meals and the unloading-loading required with each must be a wonder to behold! However, Departure Day is not exactly the ideal time to go for an interview.

One of these days, though, we intend to make the trip down to visit the good folks in Flower Mound who ramrod this canine wagon train. Stay tuned!

 Charlie Beagle on board!

Co-pilot Charlie Beagle on my shoulder.

We put Opal on Dog Runner's transport at 4:30 this afternoon, then headed the Blazer over to the HSWC shelter. Seems the best cure for foster separation anguish is hair of the dog, i.e., the next fostering challenge!

Shelter director Cheryl Miller had tagged this 4-year-old male beagle mix named Charlie for us last week. In fact, we met Charlie briefly while at the shelter for Opal's final medical exam.

Charlie remained calm at my approach, sniffing politely at my proffered hand. He was shivering, shifting weight from one foreleg to the other as he sat on the cold concrete floor. With the softest of whimpers, his eyes begged, "Take me out of here, please, sir!"

We know next to nothing about Charlie. He came to the shelter after being "arrested" as a homeless stray. Apparently, he carried no identification.

Charlie demonstrated immediately that he had not been homeless all his life. He patiently allowed me into his enclosure, nor did he make a fuss as I placed a collar on him. On leash he showed no signs of leash training, but neither did he fight the lead. Charlie simply put his nose to the ground and set at at a determined pace, his tail signalling Let's GO!

Our bed feels a lot like home!

In the shelter office he remained curious, sniffing at everything and everyone calmly and methodically. When Annie opened the door to leave, Charlie was the first one out.

Charlie showed not the slightest anxiety riding in the Blazer. This obviously was not a new experience. In fact, he showed a marked and determined preference for riding in the front seat! We struck a compromise, and Charlie rode most of the way home on my left shoulder.

Arriving at the house, Charlie eagerly walked with me to the back yard while Annie went inside. We thought it best to let Charlie meet his Lead Trainer, Beano, outside.

Both dogs took to one another from the get-go. Cautiously at first, to be sure, but with much mutual circling and sniffing of respective nether regions, as dogs are want to do. And while Charlie was cordial, shall we say? It was clear to see that he was more interested in sniffing out and marking his new patch.

Annie: I was curious how Beano would take to another male in the house, so was very pleased to see them getting on so well. I wonder if this may have something to do with the fact that they are a similar breed and size.  It was almost as if they were taking turns to see who was the dominant dog with some amusing dance moves displayed. In any case, the next couple of weeks will be most interesting.

Inside the house, Charlie was curious about the cats, but only mildly so. He showed no aggression whatsoever. As with the yard, his first priority was thoroughly sniffing out all nooks, crannies and corners of all rooms open to him. He showed no interest at all in jumping on furniture other than our bed, the exploration of which brilliantly he saved for last and immediately curled up and made himself quite comfortable.

So after some initial playing, a couple of trips back to the yard, more inside play, a little begging for a taste or two of people food, another exploratory sniff around the house, and a quick bath, both beagle boys claimed respective spots near one another on our bed and quietly passed out.

They are softly snoring still.