No doubt, a lot of pets found a little something in the stocking this morning....maybe a bone...maybe a catnip toy....hopefully not this. Pollsters have been saying more than half of pet owners planned to get their furry one a holiday present this year.

Teddy Bean, pictured above, has been enjoying his gift from his buddy Dizzy: A stuffed squeaky toy. He loves it. Carries it around all over the place.

Send in pictures of your furry ones playing with their new Christmas, Hannukah (or whatever holiday) presents and I'll post them.

Continue reading "Send in pix of pets with holiday presents!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Ok folks. What follows is the story of how my morning went. If anyone can top it -- or come close --with a story of pet-induced mayhem.... there's prizes in it. Good stuff. I dare you to bring it ON.

Anyway. So here it is. Swears bleeped: It's the wee hours of the a.m. The alarm goes off. I rub the eyes and bring Teddy Bean downstairs for his walk. I grab the plastic bag, put on his harness, put on my coat and feel around on the table for the key....the walk key, which is the one with the safety pin attached. There are other backup keys, but not THE key. So, I think, woops, maybe I left it in the lock overnight. I open the door to see, and -- just like that -- Bean is out the door and heading parkward. (Bleep!)

I grab the leash pull the door a bit shut cause I don't want to lock myself out (which, believe me, I learned the hard way) and took off after his flouncy tail. He's trotting, not running. He turns the corner of my street. He's going at a good clip and repeatedly glancing back at me as if to say, "You still following me?" (Bleep!)

Whenever he's not looking at me, I'm running. When he looks, I try to walk and look calm. If he sees me run, he'll run. He's coming toward the end of the block where there's a traffic light. It's green. He's not stopping. (BLEEP! BLEEEEEEEP!)

A car stops and lets The Bean get across the street unharmed. As soon as he's in the park, he runs to another dog. I yell for the woman with the dog to grab Bean. She just smiles and waves. Bleep. Bean then sees a Beagle and runs over to him, which gives me time to get across the street and gain on him, all the while yelling, "Grab him! Hold him!" Thankfully, a nice quiet man that I see often walking with his sweet mutt, recognizes Teddy, realizes he's not supposed to be off-leash, comes up next to the Beagle and grabs him. I huff and puff over, and leash the wild Bean.

Story not over.

Continue reading "What a morning: Or why I need vacation right now...." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

So gather round, guys...I have an important question:

Are we supposed to tip the groomer?

The tipping concept didn't even occur to me until I was at the groomer a week ago with Teddy Bean. As the she took a razor to the Bean's wool, scrubbed him clean, clipped his nails, I was wondering -- do I? Don't I?

I didn't. But maybe I should have? It seems like a haircut -- and obviously people tip a hair dresser. God knows she took enough hair off the Bean to stuff a mattress....

So tip or no tip? And if tip, how much? And, while we're at it -- are there any other pet services one is supposed to tip for -- dog walker? kennel? cat sitter?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

The furry ones at Unleashed base camp wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving.

Leo is thankful for the heating vents that blow hot air onto his tummy....and his wingman, Pumpkin.

Pumpkin is thankful for the invention of treats....and his big bro Leo.

Teddy Bean is thankful to be out of the puppy mill and in a loving home. He's reserving thanks, however, for his most recent haircut.

The trio hopes everyone's feast is as tasty as the one they're enjoying (together miraculously) here....

Continue reading "Happy Unleashed Thanksgiving!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

So this weekend Teddy Bean went to his first groomer's appointment. Since I'd brought him home fourth of July weekend, he'd gone from nearly bald to a wonderfully wooly huggable beast. My intention in getting him groomed was not to lose any of his amazing furriness, but just to get him a great shampoo, trim his nails, clean his ears and all all that -- maybe a little snip here and there to smooth things out.

Well. The groomer took one look at Bean and declared the wool that I'd fallen so in love with "matted." Matted??? What? I told her I'd cleaned him and brushed him and everything. But she was insistent: Mats. And she revved the razor. 

To make a long story short, Bean left about 75 percent of himself in a Wash the Wag garbage can.

I'll admit, I got teary. I really didn't want to see the fur go. I know it grows back. It's just that the shaved Teddy reminds me of the scared, fresh out of the puppy mill Teddy, the little guy that looked so scawny and pathetic and helpless. Through the months, he started looking more robust and learning to be a doggidy dog. I became not just his foster caretaker but someone who loved him. His thick, thick fur that I could run my hands through and cuddle against meant real progress I could grab onto.  

Continue reading "Teddy Bean leaves 75% of self at groomer's" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

This is the guy that ran the puppy mill that Teddy Bean and more than 200 other dogs were rescued from last summer:

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A former eastern Pennsylvania dog breeder is scheduled to go on trial on animal cruelty charges after withdrawing his guilty plea.

Lehigh County Judge Robert L. Steinberg granted Derbe Eckhart's request to withdraw his plea Monday. Steinberg set Eckhart's bail at $25,000 and ordered him jailed. He also ordered Eckhart to quit working with animals.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jay Jenkins says Eckhart faces trial in December on charges including cruelty to animals and operating a kennel without a license.

Authorities who raided Eckhart's Almost Heaven kennel in October 2008 say they found 189 dogs crowded in filthy conditions. They say they also discovered dozens of animal corpses in a freezer. The kennel was shut down in June.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

The other day I was walking Teddy Bean and revealed The Bean's latest hobby to someone at the park.

"I can't believe I'm actually going to say this cause it's so disgusting," I began, "But I have cats and...."

Before I could finish the sentence, she did: "And he eats the cat poo?"

Sigh. Yes. I think Teddy Bean has developed a taste for the litter box.

While watching TV this weekend, I heard a rustling in the box. Leo was to my right, Pumpkin dozing to the left. I lifted the dome and there was The Bean, kicking gravel with abandon.

Continue reading "Forbidden love: Teddy Bean and the litter box" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

The Bean would like everyone to remember that BARCStoberfest, originally scheduled for last Saturday, has been postponed to this Sunday. It will still be from 11 to 4 p.m. at Patterson Park, but at the Pagoda area.

The 5th annual fundraiser for BARCS is a festival for animal lovers of all ages and is, they say, the canine social event of the year. The event raises awareness and much needed funds for the 12,000 animals BARCS takes in each year. There will be a silent auction, pet costume contests, local artists & vendors, adoptable pets, animal health & welfare experts and pet demos.

The Strut Your Mutt Walk, which The Bean has been raising money for, will begin at noon and will take participants on a walk around beautiful Patterson Park. Registration the day of the event begins at 11am. Pre-registration with a donation of $40 is required to guarantee a t-shirt and can be done online.  Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event, but t-shirts are limited at the event so people are strongly encouraged to pre-register. The walker who raises the most money for the shelter’s animals will win the Grand Prize - a Dell laptop valued at $500!

Continue reading "Teddy Bean reminds all about BARCStoberfest" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Teddy Bean, good dog that he is, has been working behind the scenes these last few weeks, trying to round up donations in support of dogs and cats, who, like he did just a few months ago, need to be rescued. He's doing Strut Your Mutt on Saturday at BARCStoberfest, and so far he's earned more than $300 for the shelter, making the little Bean one of the top fundraisers. But he can still do even better, if anyone wants to help.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

It's been a while since I've posted an update about Teddy Bean -- most of you know that's the foster dog that I took care of for most of the summer, but was too sweet for me to do anything but adopt.

I've had Teddy for three months now, total, and it's honestly remarkable how much progress he's made. He's turned from a shaking and scared pup, quaking in the corner of my house, shying away from physical contact, into a bouncing ball of energy, who's regularly called out at the park for being "such a happy dog." A happy dog! A noteably happy dog! How awesome is that!?!

He's come with me to a number of area dog events -- most recently Dogfest this weekend, where I took the photo above. I don't think he's ever been so excited -- five hours straight of meeting new dogs, new dogs, more dooooogs!!!! One of the people working the Camp Bow-Bow booth had been watching him happily bound from one hound to the next -- for hours on end -- and predicted The Bean would sleep well Saturday night. He did.

Continue reading "Wondering about The Bean?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Thanks to continuous support from friends of The Bean, the little guy has managed to rally $275 to support BARCS. He's one of the dogs participating in Strut Your Mutt, the fundraising angle of BARCStoberfest, which happens Oct. 17 in Patterson Park.

Though he's just a rescued pooch himself, he realizes how good life is on the other side, and hopes his little furry effort can help other Baltimore dogs and cats get help, too. Thanks to everyone who's helped BARCS through Bean! And there's still time to sponsor him, or your own favorite doggie.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I said I wasn't going to do it, that I wasn't the type of pet parent that would put their dog in a costume.

And yet, we're approaching Halloween and Teddy Bean has, I'll admit it, a selection of things to wear.

Hee.

If he'll permit himself to be outfitted, he's going to look ADORABLE. But if he doesn't want to be costumed, I'm not going to force him.

I just decided it's the spirit of the season -- where's the harm in a little festive costume? Especially, if, hint, hint with the picture to the right, its would be ridiculously perfect for him? Heh.

Does anyone have strong feelings about pets in costume? I'm pretty sure my deskmate to the right, keeper of the B'More Green blog, would dress her Dizzy up over her dead body.

If you are pro-costume, want to share some of your all-time greatest Halloween hits? Or perhaps what your furry one will be dressing as this year, if, of course, the little dear will keep it on?

(You can also upload a photo to our pets in costume reader photo gallery.)

Continue reading "Someone furry has a Halloween costume...or two..." »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Cats Cats Cats, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Fun stuff, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Since Teddy Bean is a very social dog, and there are so many dog lovers on Unleashed, it might be nice to arrange something of a doggie social in Baltimore.

A couple people in the office just game over to my desk and flat-out demanded a puppy playdate. So I'm throwing down the gauntlet: If you're into it, we can plan a little mutt meet-'n-greet for an upcoming weekend. Maybe I can get the Sun to sweeten the pot with a few prizes people can win for showing up. Otherwise it would just be fun to meet a few of the dogs we hear so much about....

So what do you think? Should we do it???? 

Teddy Bean hobnobs with a white dog named Katrina and another friend at Heritage Park in Monroeville, Pa. Photo by Jennifer Rosen (Bean's aunt).

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Wow! Teddy Bean has already raised nearly $200, having signed up for the "Strut Your Mutt" walk, which is part of BARCStoberfest. He's actually the second-highest fundraiser right at this early moment. A pup named Maggie is in the lead -- maybe cause she's fundraising with a helper named Jebby. Anyway, as a rescue dog himself, The Bean thrilled to be able to help other dogs and cats in need at BARCS, Baltimore's animal shelter.

There's still plenty of time to sponsor The Bean, if you'd like to help his cause. And he thanks all of you who already have very, very much.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

In case anyone wants to help raise money for BARCS and sponsor Teddy Bean as he participates in the "Strut Your Mutt" walk at Barcstoberfest on Oct. 17, he'd appreciate it. As a rescue dog himself, he's all in favor of helping other needy dogs in Baltimore.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I know people have been worried about Teddy Bean, who hasn't been feeling so good. I don't want to curse it, but I think The Bean might be on the mend.

He had an episode-free night last night -- the first in three days. And when I went home at lunchtime to check on him, he was still doing fine, all jumping around on the sofa, excited to see me.

The vet wasn't exactly sure what had been upsetting his tummy so badly. But she gave him some fluids and some medicine and sent him on his way -- with instructions to only feed him a tablespoon of chicken and rice every few hours. He gobbles up the spoonful of food and then looks up at me as if to say, "And what else will you be serving tonight to follow that excellent amuse bouche?"....

Anyway, if the progress keeps up, he'll be back to his Bean self by the weekend. Fingers crossed. Thanks everyone who sent him well wishes and nice thoughts. He sends back a tail wag.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

So, the Bean is still sick. ...

Even though I held back food for 24 hours, and then made him plain boiled chicken and rice for dinner last night -- and only a tiny bit of it at that -- he was still both kinds of sick overnight. So, I'm taking him to the vet in a little bit to see if they might have a little something to soothe his tummy. (I'm now thinking he caught a bug at the vet's office when I took him for his introductory appointment on Friday. I don't see how a little grass or stick-eating would make him sick for three days....)

(BTW, the kitties each got a little nibble of the boiled chicken. Judging from their reaction, I think they're hoping Teddy is sick every day....)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

As I told you earlier this morning, Teddy Bean is not feeling so hot today. He had a really bad night last night -- he was all kinds of sick. Repeatedly.

This is him on the sofa a few minutes ago. It pretty much sums it up, doesn't it?

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I've got a sick Bean on my hands.

I don't know what happened. He was completely fine and then Saturday night at about 2 a.m., I woke up cause he had jumped off the bed -- and then got sick. (Both types of sick.) He was fine the rest of the night --- and the ENTIRE day on Sunday. And then last night -- same thing. Around 2 a.m., he woke up, got both kinds of sick all over the place. But this time, he had episodes every hour or so the rest of the night.

Poor little guy. He must feel really ick.

Just because of the odd timing of it all -- both episodes starting around 2 a.m. -- I'm guessing maybe he ate something in the park, during his 6 p.m.-ish walk? Some grass? A weed? PIeces of stick? If it's not that, then I have no idea.

I just called the vet and they said no feeding the Bean for 24 hours, no water for 12. (Of course I already gave him water last night, thinking that would make him feel better after throwing up. Oh well.)

Any armchair vets have any ideas?

Teddy relaxes on the sofa, still looking cute, even with a very upset tummy.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I was just reading back a post from July 3, the day I brought home a scraggly and very scared dog. I was going to foster him for a while. A week, maybe.

As many of you know, that's Teddy Bean. the name I came up with -- disappointing many of you who wanted to call him Chip, as in chocolate chip. He just seemed like a Teddy to me. And like a little black bean.

In that first picture, he seems so skinny and gawky, so shorn and concerned. He was relying heavily on his carrier then, going back inside to sleep, to search for some measure of security. But even then, he'd sniff around outside it, realizing within hours that pillows were soft, very good for a small Bean. On just his second day, he discovered he had a taste for cheese -- extra sharp Cheddar from Wegmans. A little cheese hound was born! They certainly didn't give him any of that in the puppy mill he'd spent his entire life in.

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean, the foster: He's home" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

As many of you know, I've been fostering Teddy Bean, a poodle who came to Baltimore by way of the Almost Heaven kennel near Allentown, Pa., by all accounts, a "hellish" puppy mill. Teddy was pulled out of there in a raid in June along with more than 200 sick and scared dogs.

Eighteen of those dogs, including The Bean, came to Baltimore and in this story in today's Sun, I look at how some of the others are doing. Puppy mills dogs are hard cases. They've led horrible lives, confined in cages, steeped in filth, left hungry. ... and they all bear the psychological scars.

Even so, they're very adorable dogs that never last long in a shelter. June, the Labradoodle above, went home with a Mount Vernon couple who love her despite some pretty hard core separation anxiety issues. Lolly is a very scared poodle who went home with a retiree.

Anyway, it's a worthwhile to read if you're thinking about rescuing a puppy mill dog -- or even if you've just heard about puppy mills but don't really understand the realities of them.

Sun photo of June by Jed Kirschbaum.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Don't forget to vote for The Bean!! There's lots riding on his victory. And you only have till Friday to vote. Right now he's, um, losing. So you can vote everyday -- once per computer. Let's take the little puppy mill pup to the top!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

It's another week. The Bean didn't win last week. Maybe cause he only had a few days of competition and other dogs had a full week? It certainly couldn't be his lack of cute. No way. I promise if he wins, I'll use the money to host a party for Unleashed readers and their pets and donate to local shelters.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I just entered Teddy Bean in a contest for the cutest dog. (She says with equal parts sheepishness and stage-mom pride....)

Maybe you guys could vote for him? If he wins, I'll use the money to throw Unleashed readers and their pets a fete. :-)

I do think he's quite fetching, don't you? And wouldn't it be a great story for a little puppy mill pup to hit it big?

Go Teddy Go!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Here are a few more photos of the adorable dogs that came out for Saturday's Bark for Life in Columbia to raise money to fight cancer. See the first batch, here.  (If you look carefully at each batch of photos, you'll be able to spot some Teddy Bean action.)

Continue reading "Columbia area canines Bark for Life, Part II" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Continue reading "Columbia area canines Bark for Life" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Events, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Just a month ago Teddy Bean was in a puppy mill. This morning, he participated in a charity event. The Bean Barked for Life!

The Bean and about 50 other dogs had a great time at Bark for Life, at Columbia's Lake Elkhorn. The event raised money for the American Cancer Society.

Teddy and all his new friends mingled a bit and then everyone walked around the lake -- which was actually quite a long haul for a little Bean. I tried to tie on his purple event bandana, which looked so dapper on the other dogs, but the way I had it on him, it looked like a napkin... and then it fell off. 

A lot of people fussed over him, which he liked. Everyone thought he was a puppy. One person recognized him from Unleashed. (Who is now the 4th person, by the way, who said to me, "He looks so much bigger on the blog." So, to all of you who haven't seen The Bean in person yet, consider him to be a bit more wee.)

I have pictures of other doggies at the event which I plan to post soon. 

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Alright dog people, if someone were to bring home a small dog, say, a Miniature Poodle, and they had to equip their home from the ground up, what are the basics?

What would everyone recommend in terms of the best type of leashes, collars, the best food (both wet and dry).... good shampoos? (Does one even need actual dog shampoo?) What other stuff???? (PS: And no one better say The Toy!)

Don't leap ahead to any conclusions here regarding a certain Bean. I'm just collecting information. .....

PSS: Speaking of small dog showers, The Bean got caught in a huge downpour walking home from the park yesterday evening. His first taste of summer rain, most likely. He was soaked. Smelled like total Wet Dawg. He had to be bundled in a towel when he got home and dried off. I think he liked that part.

Teddy Bean snuggles upstairs. The concept of "upstairs" is still relatively new to The Bean. Because his paws slip on the hardwood, he won't walk up or down these steps -- though he will do other steps with more traction. So, to get to the upstairs realm, he has to hitch a ride in someone's arms.... Photo by Jill.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Assorted pet stuff, Dogs, dogs, dogs, Pet accessories, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Hilarious tidbit to share about Teddy Bean's morning in the park.

While walking The Bean in Patterson Park, we came across Ellen walking her artfully named dogs, Mingus and Fellini. Of course Teddy had to say hi.

Ellen wanted to show off Fellini's special trick -- jumping for sticks while flipping in the air. (It really is quite fantastic.)

After a while of watching Fellini soar through the air while catching sticks, I look over and there's The Bean, with a little stick in his mouth. He'd never picked up a stick before. He wanted to be just like the big dog. 

A few minutes later, Mingus, a very large hound, rolls over on his back and wiggles in the grass. Sure enough, Teddy soon flops to the grass, on his back, and wriggles like nobody's business. He'd never done that before either.

Soooooo cute.  (And is he a genius or what?)

Posted by Jill Rosen at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Breaking Teddy Bean news!!!

I do believe he just wagged his tail when I came home. And then let me pick him up. And then, when I put him down, followed me to the foot of the stairs.

Wow.

!!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

A week ago I brought Teddy Bean back to the MDSPCA for the first time since I brought him home July Fourth weekend. He was due for some shots and Katie, the foster coordinator, wanted to check out his act, see if Teddy was ready for the bigtime: Adoption.

The pup got props for wearing his leash so comfortably, to say nothing of stylishly, but he blew the big test: embracing people.

His sentence: At least one more week with me.

But Sunday, I think it sort of happened. The Bean might have had the time of his life. Literally. (For those who haven't been following along, I'm fostering Teddy Bean, a wee rescue from a raided Pennsylvania puppy mill. To catch up on his story, click here.)

Meredith, mistress of the B-More Green blog, and owner of Dizzy, invited Teddy over for a playdate. He could not only mix it up with another dog, what he lives for, he could do it off-leash in her backyard.

From the second Teddy scrambled up Meredith's front steps to when he felt the first so-slobbery sign of Dizzy's affection to when I put his tired 10-pound self back in the car to head home, The Bean was in heaven. The way the two of them bounding around the house, the Bean's frazzled tail wagging along with Dizzy's big one...Huge.

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean, the foster... One Step Forward" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Health, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Eegad. So I'm outside sitting on my stoop, waiting for a friend to arrive. Teddy, on his red leash, is checking out the sidewalk, sniffing this and that, as is his way. 

One second, the people end of the leash is in my hand. Then next minute, not so much. Instantly Teddy is several feet away -- too far for me to step on the leash or lunge and grab it. He starts to trot.

Oh crap. Immediately I picture him getting away. I picture him running into the street and getting hit by a car. I think about how I would explain losing my foster dog to the MDSPCA. Come back Teddy!

He trots to the end of the block, he hangs a left on Baltimore Street, continuing to hightail it toward who-knows-what. Maybe the park? I'm wishing someone would materialize ahead of me on the sidewalk so I could call to them to intercept the doggie. He hangs another left into the alley. I'm in flip flops. My running is pathetic.

Finally, a ways into the alley, he stops to sniff some weeds. I gain on him. He keeps sniffing. I stomp on the leash with my foot. He's all startled with the leash stomp. He's mine again.

Continue reading "Bonus update on Teddy Bean....The Escape Artist " »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Now that I've had the Teddy Bean for two weeks, it's clear that he's made progress, just not quite enough of it. But there's one place where the puppy mill playing field levels -- where a dog that's known nothing but crowded cages, filthy smells and sad howls can be pretty much a normal pup. The park -- Patterson Park. There The Bean is any dog, a happy dog, trotting along grassy paths, tail high in the air, tongue out. 

(To catch up on the trials of Teddy, the foster dog I'm taking care of who was rescued from a Pennsylvania puppy mill, click here.)

Every time he meets another dog, Tedward simply must go say hello. It's like he's running for election, all the furry behinds we have to stop and sniff. 

We've met so many park dogs in just a few days. Abbie, Max and Katie. Tina. Champ. Cheddar. Floyd. Pete. Every single one, The Bean greeted with a big howdy sniff and effusive aftershocks of tail wagging. He may not know what to think about people, but he knows exactly what he thinks about doggies: Loves 'em.

Also, when Teddy's in the park, in his element, he lets his guard down a bit. A few days ago, when it was warm, Cheddar's mom offered The Bean a sip of water....from a cup...which she held in her hand. He lapped it up with almost no hesitation. Amazing. He'll still only take a treat from my hand on very rare occasions, but here he was, sipping from some stranger's cup 'o kindness. That's Teddy in the park.

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean, the foster... Bliss" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Today marks a full two weeks since I brought Teddy Bean home.

(For those who haven't been following this sorta saga, I'm taking care of a foster dog, one of those rescued two weeks ago from a Pennsylvania puppy mill. See more here.) 

Though the first few days the little Bean shook and shook, hiding in a corner and simply quaking with fear, he doesn't really shake at all anymore. He still hides in corners though. But when he does, he's constantly peeking out and seeing what's up. 

He clearly uses his corner vantage point to get his bearings. Sometimes it seems that when I'm in the middle of the room, or Leo and Pumpkin are, he'll hover in a corner until he sees a way to zip cleanly past us.

A friend of mine at work asked the other day if he wags his tail when I come home. First of all, I can't see his tail because he's in a carrier. But even if I could, I'm sure the answer would be no. No tail action. But he does let me put him on my lap and pet his smelly self like crazy while I'm watching TV at night. He'll go that far. 

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean...He makes himself at home" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I already filed today's update, but I couldn't resist this extra tidbit....

When I last mentioned Teddy's so-called relationship with my kitties, Leo and Pumpkin, I called it a detente. There might be more to it.

Either Teddy Bean has taken a sudden interest in big balls of yarn, or......[insert scary music here]....he's being set up!

Over the weekend I was knitting a pair of mittens on the sofa. Teddy was watching from his carrier. I went upstairs to do a few things and when I came back, the ball of yarn -- and the attached knitting -- was in Teddy's carrier. On my sofa, where the knitting was, lay a single pellet of kibble...Teddy's flavor.

It seems like the dog did it, right? But the more I think about it, I'm convinced it was Leo. First of all, Leo is a kitty -- a species whose interest in yarn needs no further documenting. Second of all, Leo has been showing a bit of attitude toward the Bean -- he swatted him on the nose for no good reason the other day. (Motive!) And third, why would Teddy, who hasn't so much as touched an object of mine, and only recently became interested in sitting on the sofa, jump up there and grab half-made mittens of all things? Hmm? Hmm Leo?

I think a kitty's been a-plotting.....

Posted by Jill Rosen at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

There are certain things one isn't supposed to mention in polite company. One of them, unfortunately, happens to be a rather large part of hosting an entirely unhousebroken dog.

Teddy Bean has bathroom issues. Big time. 

(In case anyone is new to this saga, I took in a foster dog a week ago. He's a rescue from a recently-raided Pennsylvania puppy mill.)

Since I brought him home a week ago, he hasn't peed on the puppy pads I bought. He hasn't peed outside -- despite my pacing with him for seeming eons up and down the sidewalk. Job wouldn't have been so noted for patience if he had to wait 45 fruitless minutes outside for Teddy Bean to do something, only to have him do it the second he gets back in the house.

Let's just say I'm glad I bought the economy paper towel pack.

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean, the foster... Holy crap!" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Thursday, easily, was Teddy's best day thus far.

He and the kitties have reached something of a detente. He's eating quite a bit. He's not shaking so much.

And -- drumroll please -- he started to make himself at home on the living room furniture. In particular, he's tried out two chairs and seems to have zoned in on a favorite, a leather armchair near the front window. It's the kitties' choice, too. Just like they do, he curls up, wedged between a wool throw and a soft pillow, alternatively napping and checking out the goings-on of the street.

He spent hours there Thursday afternoon. I dropped a few treats on the chair arm, hoping that as long as he was trying new things, he might also be willing to taste a Beggin' Strip. Or any of the other two bags of nibbles I bought. Not so much. Not yet.

Continue reading "Update on Teddy Bean, the foster... A Big Day" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

I just wanted to give a quick shout out of thanks to Elaine, David Z., Tina and everyone who offered suggestions to quiet Teddy's mournful night howl.

I moved the carrier into my bedroom last night and he was perfectly quiet -- except for some crunching on kibble.

Good boy!

And thanks everyone for your suggestions. Please keep them coming. Sharing and commenting and giving advice is what Unleashed is all about.

For more on Teddy, click here.

More updates coming soon!!

Posted by Jill Rosen at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

So well into the week with the foster pup, who I've decided to call Teddy (short for Teddy Bean) ("bean" as in little black bean), he's not only enjoying his time out of the carrier, he's taken it upon himself to complain if he's in the carrier too long. Funny, coming from a puppy mill dog who, as I understand it, spent his entire life up to now in a wire cage that's certainly less pleasant that the blanket-lined pet carrier he's upset about. But, eh, I guess he's learning about creature comforts. That's good!

(In case you're just tuning in now, I'm taking care of a foster dog, a sweet, scared poodle that was rescued last week from a Pennsylvania puppy mill. Catch the first installment here. And other chapters here and here.)

Anyway, so Tuesday, after leaving him in the carrier all day when I went to work, as the shelter told me to do, and then putting him back in the carrier when I was ready for bed, at about 2:30 a.m. I was woken up by a howling, a mournful coyote noise that could only be coming from Teddy. Uh-oh. I went downstairs and let him out of the carrier, thinking he might be having a bathroom situation.

Continue reading "Update on Thing 3, the foster...he imitates coyote" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

Believe it or not, the foster pup I told you I brought home late last week has made it a grand total of four days with me.

Though the kitties were essentially sequestered upstairs at first, on Sunday we had the big reveal. Pumpkin wasn't so much interested in the dog -- except when he saw it came with extra bowls of food. He greeted the food bowl with open arms (and open mouth). As for Leo, let's just say it wasn't exactly love at first sight.

Not that the doggie didn't try! Though I hadn't seen his ragged little tail wag once over the two days, as soon as he saw the kitties, the tail, that looks like a mussed tassel at the end of a piece of bulky yarn, was wagging like mad. He really wanted to be friends with Leo and The Pumpkin. The kitties had other plans.

Leo spent all day following the dog like Javert tracked Jean Valjean in Les Miserables -- stalking his every move. Though the pup did nothing wrong, Leo hissed now and again for good measure. Pumpkin just stretched on the floor and enjoyed the show.

Continue reading "Update on Thing 3, the foster...possible name?" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

It's day two with Thing 3. He's actually been with me for about a day and a half now. And though it's not much, I think there's been a smattering of progress.

(For those of you who missed the first installment, I'm fostering a dog for a bit. He's a rescue with some special needs but also a little cuteness.)

First, he's not only coming out of the carrier now and again, he's spending most of his time out. And he's learned about pillows! They're soft! He likes to snuggle on top of one that I put on the floor. It's quickly become one of his favorite nooks.

After not eating anything yesterday, he ate some wet food this morning and after the kitties finish dinner, I expect that he'll eat some more. He hasn't touched the dry food the shelter sent home with him. I haven't seen him drink from the water bowl, either.

And though I've been a little sad that he hasn't shown so much as a snippet of interest in treats -- he's utterly ignored three different types -- just a few minutes ago I had a small victory. Found out our little guy loves cheese!! He might be a dog after all.

My little cheese hound atop his favorite pillow. His only pillow, really. Photo by Jill.

Posted by Jill Rosen at 6:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog
        

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.

Continue reading "Meet Thing 3, my newest furry foster friend" »

Posted by Jill Rosen at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Dogs, dogs, dogs, Teddy Bean, formerly the Foster Dog