Forever Home Update June 30, 2017 Morning Jan: I think we all were tired even Jorja. Anyway, she slept with me and snuggled just like Suze used to. So that was great. I had to get up in the middle of the night and use the bathroom and when I came back had to move Jorja over, she was in my warm spot. Done that before many times. Jorja slept really good last night. I just took her outside on the leash, she ran to the grass and did her #1 and 2. I praised her up and down and hugged. She just ate all her food with her pill. She also drank water out of her doggy dish twice last night and when we came back in this morning. Right now Bill is talking to me from the kitchen and I'm in the computer room. Jorja hears my voice is looking for me. Life is good. I'll keep you posted. Hugs back at you, Linda July 1, 2017 Good Afternoon Jan: Jorja had another "great" night. Snuggled with me and it was cute, I had to get up to use the bathroom and when I came back she'd moved into my warm spot and was lying there waiting for me to come back. She's getting better with the leash, took her out this morning and I found to set her on the drive and she runs to the grass and levels herself. She did both jobs then by giving her a lot of leash, not keeping it tight she moved around and was getting familiar with our yard. We went all around the house then she sat down. Came back into the house and she drank some water and I left her alone to see if she would follow but she laid down on the floor by the water dish. Oh, by the way, she's drinking water from the dish just fine. So then Bill said to me she's standing in front of the door. So I thought, okay, maybe she needs to go back outside. So I picked her up and hooked her up to the leash and out we went. Well, she did have to go again and she did another really big job to boot. You can be proud, she's doing really good. Jorja even met my next door neighbors little Maltese, they both touched noses and Jorja was okay with that, her name is Puff and she's an older little one too about the same size as Jorja. So she's getting acquainted to the neighborhood slowly especially my neighbors who knew Suze and I told them all about Jorja. So they're all anxious to meet her. But I'm doing that very slowly so she doesn't get frightened. Life is good, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to being a mom to Jorja. She is filling that void in my heart....! More later, Linda July 18, 2017 Hi Jan: Another week and our little munchkin is doing just great. Took another road trip to the groomers this morning. I wanted to introduce Jorja to Aunt Michelle and her mom, who gives the baths. Anyway, wasn't sure about the cages at the groomers so I called and talked to Michelle and mainly wanted to take her over and introduce her to Michelle and her mom. When I got there she only had one other dog there and asked if it would be possible for Jorja to get a bath and clean up her wiskers a little under her chin and if she needed her nails clipped and check her ears out for me. I told her about the cages that I wasn't sure since I know she's not been in a cage in quite awhile, so I sat down and kept Jorja on my lap till Michelle's mom was ready to bath Jorja. Jorja did really good, as you said she does well at the groomers. Anyway, Michelle and her mom just loved her and were ever so gentle. Both said she reminded them of my little Suze, very loving and sweet. Now we're ready for our road trip to see Dr. Brown, the cardiologist, on Thurs. afternoon. He's going to do a CT scan on her heart so Dr. Gillespie can see how her heart is working and also to see if Dr. Brown okays a dental and what sedative to use. I'll keep you posted on how that turns out. Jan, Jorja is doing really good, you'd be very pleased. Her accidents are getting fewer and if she has one, it's because we waited too long. Didn't have any last week at all. Yesterday only one and that was my fault....waited too long to take her out. But I praise her every day and just before we go to sleep at night after I put her on the bed, I give her a big kiss and tell her what a "good girl" she was today. Talk soon, hugs from Jorja and me, Linda August 12, 2017 Hi Auntie Jan: Well, yesterday marked 6 weeks. You'd be very proud of our little girl. She seems to be a "VERY" happy little one. Had another trip to the "Beauty Parlor" on Wednesday and she did exceptional. I didn't want her caged so I was first there and after getting blow dried she waited on my lap for a lite trim and nail trimming. Then a road trip yesterday up to Owosso to meet Bills' sister. My sister-in-law has a Standard Poodle. I held Jorja and it was a gradual introduction under my terms. It went well and it was just the usual, "Smell and Make Up" routine and then JJ (the Standard Poodle) just left her alone and Jorja was just fine, quiet but that's okay. I do think we're both getting her signals down pat when she wants to go outside. Even though I still take her out every 2 hrs. to give her the benefit of the doubt. Just today, she came into the kitchen and stood at the entrance to the family room and I said to Bill, she's telling us she needs to go outside and bingo that's exactly what she was telling us. Bill took her outside and she went directly to the grass. Good Girl....! Oh, does she bark at all or just the little whimperings that we're hearing? So far so good on the cough, very little now, usually just a small cough in the morning first thing after I take her out. I put her down in the mud room and take off her harness and then she drinks some fresh water and that seems to make her cough a little and that's about the only time. It not a loud/long cough more like clearing of the throat. She wagging her tail more and more and dancing on her hind feet when it's time for dindin. Also, she just started dancing on her hind legs and putting her front paw on the fridge after she comes in from doing her business waiting for a piece of pear/peach for a treat. She knows they are in the fridge not only that everytime I open the fridge for whatever reason she's right there. I know you're laughing and saying, "that little begger". It's so cute really her tail is wagging and she's so proud of herself. I love her more and more every day and at bed time she really knows what "the Big Bed" means cause it's almost like she's waiting for that last trip outside at night then she gets her heart med and then we go and get on the the "big bed". I give her a kiss every night and one from "Auntie Jan" too. Linda August 4, 2017 Hi Jan: Well, it's 5 weeks and our little girl is doing great. You'd be very proud of her. She's following me and Bill more and more. She's broadening her horizons every day and lets me hold her close. Not to mention snuggling in bed, she waits for me to get up and then dances once we come back in from outside waiting for "FOOD". Health wise, not coughing too much, only seems when she drinks water sometimes brings on a little cough. Last week no accidents, this week, my fault a couple of times but I know it's the Lasix and BP med. Oh, Dr. Gillespie called me back about the low Potassium. Dr. Brown, the cadiologist, said to cut the 12.5 Lasix in half and give it every 8 hrs. instead of 12. So I follow the same time table as her heart med. That makes sense and I've noticed the need to go outside isn't as frequent. Jorja also is, or at least, we're beginning to understand her signals when she wants to go outside. Jan, we both love her more and more everyday. She is so sweet and I tell her and hug everyday and tell her what a sweet good girl she is. I know you worry about her and I will keep you posted as to how she's doing. Right now she's on the couch with Bill and she's moved from the end of the couch to the middle right next to Bill. So cute, she is feeling more and more comfortable with us every day. More later, hugs from the Danner's Linda August 18, 2017 Hi Auntie Jan: Another great week. This is number 7.....well this evening Jorja was having Musk Mellon with her new dad (Bill) and enjoying every bite. I know you're laughing,"the little beggar". She was sitting on the couch and when I brought Bill a bowl of mellon, Jorja moved over and with those "big" eyes kept starring him down until he gave her some. It was so cute to watch the little begger smack her lips. Yes I'm laughing too....! Not too much coughing, thank God. She seems to have more energy than before, but I'm careful not to get her too excited because I don't want her heart to be racing. She's eating really good and really likes her "snack" when I bring her back in for doing her business. Jorja definitely has the routine down pat and knows exactly when it's "treat" time and where they are. Oh, I have to ask a question.......I've not heard Jorja bark at all. Did something happen that she can't? Or she just doesn't know how. Reason is she only "whimpers" and sometimes I don't hear her and I think she's trying to tell us she needs to go outside. Just wondering, that's all. Keep you up to date as we progress. Hugs from Jorja and me, Linda August 25, 2017 Hi Auntie Jan: Well, another great week that marks 2 months. Our little sweetheart is settling in more and more each day. Her little whimpers are telling me she needs to go outside and we're both understanding Jorja's signals now. She's like a little "Ballerina" now, especial at dinner time. Not to mention she knows when it's "Applesauce" time, that's when I give her heart med along with some Lasix. It's really cute to watch, when she gets herself up from a nap and comes into the kitchen, I turn and look at the clock ans sure enough, we take a trip outside and wala she goes right to the frig and waits for her piece of pear/peach and then comes the applesauce with her meds. Bedtime is still good she waits next to my pillow for me to get in bed then she re-arranges herself and to sleep we go. She's following me more and more and right now she's lying on the floor right behind my computer chair. That's what Suze used to do too, just wants to be close. I just love her more and more every single day and I think she really realizes she's safe and that I'm not going to let anything happen to her. She's still a little nervous when meeting new people. I introduced her the other day to our U.S. mail carrier, Tara, who was anxious to meet her and she was a little shaky but that's okay Tara understood. Just wanted to keep you in the loop as to how Jorja is progressing and right now I think she's doing just great. Hugs to you and Bruce from all of us and Jorja too. Linda August 29, 2017 Auntie Jan: Well, it's been 10 weeks today and our precious little "forever baby" is doing just great. We had another road trip to the "doggie beauty parlor" yesterday for a bath only. Jorja did just great again. I didn't want her caged, so I waiting while she was bathed and blow dryed then brought her home. She still shivers a little with strangers, but I'm still trying with our neighbors so she isn't so frightened. She's defintely a little "begger". So cute even with Bill, she gives him the "big eye" treatment for handouts. She's not been coughing hardly at all, just yesterday she did do a few coughs and I was a little worried that maybe the low temperatures we've been having that might be causing this. So lastnight, I made sure she was covered up, since I like a cool room to sleep in. Just don't want her to catch cold. She loved being all wrapped up in a blanky. Today was good, so I'll have to be very careful about the cold with her. Told Bill she will definately have a sweater or coat on when cooler temperatures start. Jorja's appetite is still good, she sure knows when it's dinner, snack and bedtime. Also, when I give her med with the apple sauce, that is really so cute, I'm beginning to think she can tell ltime. That's about it for now, hugs from the "Danner's". Linda Sept 14, 2017 Hi Jan: Another week has passed and our little "bundle of joy" has been doing great. She now follows me every place I go and right now is lying on the floor right beside the computer chair. Just the other day, I was gone for a few hours and Bill told me while I was gone Jorja was looking all over for me not knowing where I was, so cute. Not to mention when I got home and the garage door opened she was right at the back door when I opened it and her tail was wagging. I picked her up and kissed her and gave her lots of hugs and told her I'd missed her and was glad she was a good girl for her papa. Appetite is still good and very seldom a cough. I know I've got an appointment next month with the cardiologist. It's basically a follow-up and monitoring of how she's doing. I've got my fingers crossed and am really hoping for a "great" report. I've been praying allot for her, so I sure hope the meds are working....! She's really been a good girl about going outside too. NO accidents this week at all and for the first time Jorja " Barked", that was a total surprise, but then I was getting her dinner ready lastnight and she was just letting me know I was TOO slow. Just another great week with our precious little one. Oh, I'm sending you a donation check in the mail, tried to do it on line and had some trouble. Not sure why, but that's okay. Mailing today to the P.O. Box 1. Hugs from the Danner's Linda September 20, 2017 Hi Jan: You're welcome. I've been giving for years to the "Humane Society" and "ASPCA" regularly, but I think instead, I'll start giving to Peke A Tzu on behalf of Jorja. Your organization is doing what they do and yes I will give Jorja a hug from you and Bruce. You'd be so proud. Her appetite is still excellant, not to mention treat time (that's when she gets her meds) I do believe she can tell time too. When I'm in the kitchen she's right there. I know you're smiling, "That little Begger". She's following both of us every where now, especially me. Right now she's lying on the floor right behind the computer chair. She does that with both of us now. Even follows me into the bathroom and sits waiting, just like Suze used to. I don't close the door on her cause I want to see where she is going. Still likes her "safe zone" and sometimes, she'll whimper like she's talking to us that she wants to be picked up. So then we go to pick her up then she runs from us and goes to her safe zone. It's like "Catch Me If You Can" time. But she then relents and lets us pick her up, not sure why, but it's okay. She's really letting us know that she needs to go outside too. We're starting to really get that one down pat now. Can't hardly believe tomorrow it's 3 months, seems like we've had her forever. Had another road trip yesterday to the "Doggy Beauty Parlor". She got the works yesterday. I still get there first and wait so they don't put her in a cage. Not sure how she'd respond and not only that the groomer and bather are oh so gentle with her and she's totally okay with them. Jorja hardly ever coughs now, sure hope the meds are doing what they're supposed to be doing. Next month we see Dr. Brown, the cardiologist. Hoping for good news there. I'll let you know how that goes. Hugs from the Danner's talk soon. Linda September 28, 2017 Hi Jan: Can't hardly believe it's been 13 weeks. Our little "Dolly Baby" is doing great. I'm now calling her my little "Ballerina". She dances on her hind legs for treats, food and just plain ole getting my attention. She's really following us everywhere, especially me and it's so cute when we get on the bed at night and then after our 6:30 a.m. outdoor business, then meds and "food". Then we go back to bed and she just snuggles right in and stays put. I give her hugs every night when we get into bed and I always give her a kiss from you and Bruce. I'm sure hoping the bad memories are fading away. Still have to not make quick hand moves, she kinda flinches with that. Doesn't happen often but I've noticed if I move too quickly I can see/feel her back off. She's not shaking hardly at all anymore, even when we've gone to the groomers, she seems to know who they are and they are very gentle with her. I thought our trip to the cardiologist was in October, but when I looked at my paperwork from Dr. Brown it said 4 months, so that is Nov., they will be sending me one of those postcards in the mail when it gets close. I'm figuring probably around the second week in November. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I'm hoping for a good report. Come the 2nd Saturday in October, my church always does a "Blessing of the Animals". So Jorja, will be going to church and getting "Blessed". I did that with Suze last year for the last time, but this year and every year after Jorja will be going to church for a "Blessing". Hugs from the 3 Danner's Linda October 5, 2017 Hi Jan: Another great week. You'd be so proud of our little bundle of joy. She's now following me into the bathroom and sitting on the rug and waiting for me to finish in there. Also when I'm in the bedroom making up the bed she lays on the rug in the doorway and waits for me to come back into the kitchen. I'm going to send you another donation check to the P.O.Box 1 tomorrow. Just let me know when you get it. Saturday is "Blessing" day at 11 a.m. Jorja is still a little skiddish around other animals, so I think we'll get there early so I can get situated in a more quiet area so she doesn't get nervous. A couple of my church friends are anxious to meet her, for they've adopted rescue babies too. I sure hope the new little babies are coming along okay. I applaud you and Bruce for what you do. Just so many needy precious little ones and how anyone can be so cruel is beyond me. Talk soon, hugs from the "Danner's". Linda November 4, 2017 Hi Jan, Another great week. Our little "doll baby" is doing just great. Right now she's lying on the floor next to me. She follows me everywhere even into the bathroom and lies down and waits for me. Life is good. Appetite still "very" good. I think I'll make "Little Begger" as her nick name. Food is really on her brain most of the time. I've mailed another check, probably today or Monday it should arrive. Also this next Tuesday, we see the cardiologist, Dr. Brown, I'm hoping for a good report. I'll keep you posted on what he says. Love from Jorja and me January 1, 2018 Jan, Had another road trip with Jorja. We went down to my sisters for New Years and Jorja did just great again. She knows my sister and was right at ease with her and the surroundings. Check out the picture of Jorja under the Christmas Tree. I mean she just makes herself right at home, so cute. Love, Jorja and Linda January 11, 2018 Hi Jan, Been awhile since my last email. Just wanted to stay in touch. Jorja is doing just great. You'd be very proud, she's adapted perfectly to our home. I do think she's been wondering where Bill is. I always was the first up in the morning out at 6 am then feeding her and going back to bed. Then Bill would get up around 9:30 a.m. and he'd take her out and she'd do her big job. I do think that's when Jorja would be looking for him. She's just so very loving and follows me every place I go. Sometimes I have to leave her to go to the store or church, but she knows when she's in her safe area, that I have to go someplace, but will be back. When I open the back door she's right there waiting, so cute. We have our little routine of putting on her coat, at first she fought me, but now I do believe realizes, it's a must. Just don't want her to catch a cold. I do carry her out and give her a fighting chance when the temps have been so low. I shoveled out a huge area for her and sometimes she tries to go where the deep snow is. Suze did the same thing, but I made the snow wall very high so she couldn't do that. She's really been snuggling at bed time and doesn't want to get off the "feather bed". One would think she's "spoiled", but i love spoiling her. Anyway, just wanted to keep in touch and let you know how my little doll baby is doing. Oh, I use the tote when taking her with me anyplace and she seems very well adapted. I'm hoping to fly out maybe next month and I've got a letter from my doctor so I can take Jorja on the plane with me and she can sit right on my lap. But for right now, just being close and taking care of one another. I'm just so greatful to have her, really think we were supposed to be together forever....! Love and hugs from Jorja and Linda January 12, 2018 Jan, I forgot to mention that accidents haven't been happening at all. Her last was at my sisters the day after Christmas. I was worried that she might have a few being in a strange place, not so. The one she had was my fault, Jorja had given the signal and I wasn't paying attention. So far, I know the pattern, if she doesn't give me a signal, like a little whimper, every 3 hrs. we take a little trip outside. So far, it's been right on time. I still keep a couple of piddle pads around. Especially, when I have to leave her in her safe zone and might be a little longer than usual. But she's been just perfect, I think she just goes to sleep and hasn't used the piddle pad at all. I'm so proud of her for that.You'd be very proud of her too. I still have to watch quick hand motions though, think there is something about quick motions that still bothers her. So I always say to people no quick hand movements please. Everyone that's been around her to date, has complied. Appetite is good, as usual, she's a little ballerina begger and knows that her new mom will always share the goodies. I do believe she knows when I have the good stuff, her smeeler must always be on overdrive. She really likes "Raspberries", Strawberries are second. I do believe she can tell time too. She knows when it's "Applesauce" time. That when I have to give her the meds. I am able to smash up her pills and put them into her food, but the other times I use applesauce, works like a charm and she really likes it. Talk soon, hugs for Jorja and me. Jorja and Linda January 26, 2018 Hi Jan, Been a couple of weeks now and my little bundle of joy is doing great. I know you worry about her, but she's doing just find. Had another road trip on Tues to the doggy beauty parlor and she did just great again. I've been using the Coleman Tote I picked up for her and she seems very comfortable in it. The next time I go to Big Lots, I'm taking her in with me using the tote. I can set her in the kids seat on the cart. I just want to see how she does when I go into a store with more people. Thinking here might help when I go to the airport. I don't fly out of Metro, but out of Flint, a much smaller and not so conjested as the big ones. Anyway, have to tell you I think I'm going to have to learn "doggy language". You see when it's time for me to eat, Jorja decides it's "conversation" time and you should hear the conversations we have. I do believe she thinks I'm cheating on her and not giving her handouts that she knows she can have. My sister couldn't believe it when I told her, that Jorja and I have conversations. It's really funny to listen. Just have to laugh. Accidents have been really far far and inbetween hardly ever. Since Bill passed she's had two and they were my fault, not being able to tell between one of her conversation spells and telling me she has to go potty. She really likes snuggling and REALLY likes my feather bed. You'd be very proud of her, she's fitting in to my routine very well, she even knows when I go to church and goes to her safe zone and waits till I come back, then greets me at the door wagging her tail. Also, know how her tail really didn't go up when we first got her, it would always drag along the ground, well not anymore it's upright and wagging all the time. I'd say she's a very happy little fluff ball and I think she loves her new mommy....! Probably in March is when we have our next doctor appt. with the cardiologist. I'm hoping for a good report, or at least stable like the last one, maybe even some improvement again. I'll just keep my fingers crossed. Anyway, she is a tease and likes to play catch me if you can. Also, she's very musically inclined. When I sit down to my keyboard, she comes real close and lies on the floor near my feet. Oh, I'm sending another check from Jorja to help out and thank you for the Tax Letter. That was nice of you. Love and hugs from Jorja and Linda February 20, 2018 Hi Jan, Happy Belated Valentine's Day from Jorja and Me. I'm sure you're wondering how my little fuzz ball is doing. She's doing great, follows me everywhere. It's funny seems she knows when I have to go someplace and am putting on my make-up/combing my hair. She stands in the bathroom and watches and I think she's figured out that I'm going out for awhile. All of a sudden she's in her safe zone as if to say, "I'll be good mom, see you when you get back." It's really so cute she follows me every where and what a tease she is. Not to mention a little begger. Can't put anything past her and she thinks whatever is on my dinner plate she can have. I know you're laughing, but to say she has a definate personality is an understatement. If she could talk...she'd be dangerous. Even my sister can't believe the conversations we have. When I first told her, she thought I was loosing it, until she heard Jorja telling me what was on my dinner plate was also hers. I'd say my little bundle of joy has definately "arrived", so sweet and yes a "Tease". Loving every bit of it. Oh, I thought our next cardio appt. was next month but it's in April. Had to get two of her perscriptions refilled and I can only get them at the cardio's office and the receipt had noted her next appt. I will keep you posted on how she does, I'm really hoping for a good report. I know the doctor told me to try to keep her calmer so she doesn't get so excited, but when I'm getting her food ready or for that matter just cooking in general, that is pretty hard, because she's like a jumping jack/ballerina and that surely is getting the blood pumping. I've been worried with the cold temperatures we've had and bundle her up when she has to go outside. Just don't want her to catch cold. So far so good and I think she understands that putting on her coat is a must. The one I have is a fleese that she steps into so her tummy is completely covered and closes with velcro down her back. It's really cute to watch her finally letting me put her two front paws into the sleeves. We go through a routine, but when we come back inside and I undo the velcro and she steps out of her coat, but her tummy is all nice a dry and warm. Think I've hit the jackpot with that one. But I always carry her out to give her paws a fighting chance. I did that with Suze and Gwen also. I even tried to set up a place in the garage so she didn't have to go out in the frigid weather, but she wouldn't have it. Neighter would Suze or Gwen either. Something about grass or snow that they just have to do their business there. Well, look for another check from Jorja next week. Oh, had another road trip, haven't gone to Big Lots yet. It was just too cold, but now that the weather is getting better I'll take her in the tote and see how she does. I thinking she'll probably do just fine. Well, hugs from Jorja and Me. xo L & J April 20, 2018 Hi Auntie Jan, It's Jorja, I just wanted to tell you what a good girl I've been. My new "Mom" just keeps hugging and kissing me and telling me what a "Good Girl" I am. I'm really trying hard not to have any accidents and so far so good even on our road trips. Can't remember the last time I missed using the piddle pad. Mom still keeps them around just in case. Even on our road trips Mom takes a pad with us and I've not had an accident when I've been in strange surroundings. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you, that I'm so glad my new mom loves me so much and I love her too. We snuggle at night and she gives me lots of hugs and kisses. Not to mention snacks (Raspberries, Strawberries, Apple slices and oh yes I even get my meds in, get this, Applesauce. Life is good.....! Hope all my old friends are doing ok, I miss them, but I'm loving my new home so much that I only wish they too will find a "Happy Ending" as I have. Hugs to you and Uncle Bruce, J & L June 9, 2018 I've not written in awhile, but Jorja is doing so good. I'm so very proud of her. Really learning the "her talking" signals and what they mean. Her tail is wagging allot, which makes me so happy. I give her allot of hugs and in the morning when she wakes me to go outside, she crawls into the warm spot then rolls over and wants a tummy rub before going outside. She follows me every place I go even the bathroom and lies down on the rug while I'm doing my business, so cute. We took a road trip last weekend, spent the night at my sisters and she wasn't strange at all. Actually, think she remembered my sister from when she was here after Bill passed and then spent the Christmas Eve and New Years Eve at my sisters, she did really well and no problems. I'm so very glad I have her and love her so much. Our togetherness is coming up to an "Anniversary". Her BD first on the 19th and adoption on the 29th. Doesn't seem possible but I'm so very glad I have her. I think we're good for each other....! But then that's just my opinion. Love to you xo J & L
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