Meet Thing 3, my newest furry foster friend
I'd like everyone to offer a warm welcome to, well, an as-yet unnamed doggie who's going to be spending a little time at my house.
The little poodle mix is a dog I've agreed to foster for a bit. He's from the MDSCA by way of a Pennsylvania puppy mill. How long he stays is up to me, to him, and of course to Leo and Pumpkin. For now he's only been here a few hours.
This little guy comes with some not-so-small issues that the average dog would not. Because he was rescued from a puppy mill, he's extremely fearful. He's timid and pretty much has no idea how to let go and just be a dog. He doesn't know about being petted. He doesn't know about going for walks. When I offered him a treat he just looked at it.
But they said at the shelter that he might be too scared to come out of his carrier. He's already bested the odds on that. He was out exploring literally within seconds of arriving here. And now he's snuggled on some pillows near -- but not in -- the carrier.
When I saw him a few days
ago at the shelter, he was a long-haired, bedraggled, matted mess. He's since had a bath and a rather military-esque shave. He feels smooth and soft, like crushed velvet. (I wasn't really supposed to push it, but I had to pet him a little. Had to.)
I'll keep you posted on how we're all doing. And in the meantime...does anyone have an idea for a name? I want something really sweet, really catchy. And bonus points if it reflects his being a small, furry, black morsel.
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
Comments
So far we (my brother & I) have come up with nougat, goober, and a few others- but I think the best one so far is Chip- for Chocolate Chip!
Posted by: baltimoregal | July 3, 2009 8:02 PM
Licorice keeps the sweet motif; Black Velvet was a horse; Snuggles may be wishful thinking; Sylvester was a cat. I keep coming back to Fred, somehow. Barack may be a bit presumptious (well, I'm sure his wife thinks he's sweet); Cousin Itt was sort of blond; George (for Washington) had the poodle hair; James had the flowing black curls (King, as in bible)--there you go! King! He'll probably tell you when he's good and ready. =o]
Posted by: Elissa | July 3, 2009 8:44 PM
I vote for Thing 3, actually :) Maybe in a few days his personality will reveal itself a little more and the right name will become obvious. Or he could have a first and middle name, like Leo and Pumpkin do.
Posted by: Shannon | July 3, 2009 9:02 PM
I've never been good at clever pet names so I'll second 'baltimore gal' on Chip. Short and sweet. Just wanted to applaud you for fostering. It's a worthwhile endeavor. We adopted a fostered pet awhile back and I've been so grateful for the time that someone spent in socializing him. He was able to blend into the home and family and we've enjoyed him so much.
Posted by: ruth | July 3, 2009 9:25 PM
Congratulations on fostering! Hope Leo & Pumpkin help the dog adapt quickly.
As for names, how about Webster or Nano?
Posted by: Lori | July 3, 2009 10:29 PM
chip rocks....i love it. Its kinda retro too...wasn't there a chip on "my three sons"?
Posted by: sheila | July 3, 2009 10:32 PM
How about Reese, Nigel (means black), or Pepper. Chip was also very good.
Posted by: Debbie | July 3, 2009 11:21 PM
Jill, this is a truly wonderful and giving thing you are doing. Tanner was fostered also, and he sends you a big kitteh head butt and drive by for your kindness towards this sweet little dog. Here's hoping Leo and Pumpkin are good "hosts" towards your canine guest. I like the name "Chip" also.
Posted by: Tanner's Mom | July 4, 2009 12:30 AM
"Chip" was the first name that popped into my head - perhaps it was the reference to a "sweet morsel" in your commentary. Whatever the name, he looks like a love, and ..... a keeper, too!!
Posted by: Diana Hartnett | July 4, 2009 11:07 AM
He sure looks like a Chip to me--and chipper, too. Blessings on all who rescue animals!
Posted by: Dahlink | July 4, 2009 4:42 PM
I vote for Chip too because it is quick to say and may be easier for him to learn.
Congrats on fostering! I wish I had room (and the time) at my house to do the same. Please keep us posted on his progress. This is really an awesome thing that you are doing.
Posted by: Audrey | July 4, 2009 5:33 PM
That's wonderful, Jill! Best of luck finding this sweet little guy his forever family.
I definitely vote for Chocolate Chip!
Posted by: BeagleMom | July 6, 2009 10:01 AM
Thank you for opening your home to fosters! I've been a foster with MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue for about two years and at this point I would call myself a junkie! I love it when they send me the toughest cases because I get to see incremental progress each day. Your new foster pup looks GREAT!
I hope you don't mind me mentioning it, but since you are involved with dog rescue I wanted to let you know I'm collecting stories for books about adopted dogs. Their purpose is to raise awareness of, and funding for, dog rescue groups.
Could you please help me to spread the word? I would love to hear from anyone who has a great story about their adopted dogs, and if you have any rescue groups you work with that might want to be included in our annual donation pool, I'd like to hear from them too! The website is http://happytailsbooks.com. There are submission guideline and rescue resource pages posted there.
Posted by: Kyla Duffy | July 6, 2009 12:29 PM
Susuwatari =]
meaning "travelling soot", are the "dust bunnies" or "soot sprites" that appear in two Studio Ghibli anime movies, My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Spirited Away (2001). They are shy, slightly frightful creatures that live in abandoned buildings such as old houses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susuwatari
sounds like a soot sprite to me
Posted by: meofcourse | September 16, 2009 7:11 PM