Forever Home Update June 15, 2020 Hi, Jan, First,Rudy is doing great. He's learning new things every day and crouching a bit less. I read that I should tell him what I'm going to do so he knows why I'm reaching for him, so he's learning one-word explanations. I say up when I pick him up. He's gotten so good at it, he pushes off with his back feet when I lift him. He even wags his tail when I say up, down, outside, and treat. He probably knew all that at your house, but it's helped with trust here for me to be consistent with language. He's also snuggling more. I woke up yesterday, and he was asleep against the nape of my neck. He isn't exploring the backyard beyond his tree, but he follows me to the back and all around. It's like being a duck with a duckling. He melts me. I have one question for you. What kind of bowls, plates, or dishes is he used to? I'm afraid it's a mute point, but thought I'd ask. Suzee has only one tooth, so I feed her from a fork. Rudy is now refusing to eat from his dish or a plate. I'm hoping I need a different bowl style, but fear he's gone over to the royal side and thinks he, too, should be spoon fed. Oh, and carrot treats are off the table. He spits them out and waits for chicken jerky. Anyway, I thought I'd see if your bowls are different before resigning myself to the probable inevitable. Two spoiled dogs. ❣️ Shawn June 25, 2020 Hi, Jan, Our boy continues to come into his own. Rudy comes directly to me about 70% of the time now when I call him and sits at my feet. About 5% of the time, he doesn't flatten when I reach for him and actually sits tall. He and Suzee explore the yard, and he has a special tree... When I give Suzee a rundown, he wags his tail and comes right over. He's had to have a few talks about his attitude, but he's doing his best. My favorite thing is he knows "cuddle", and more and more often he comes to me when I ask if he wants to. We have storytime during snuggles, too. I scratch his shoulders and he drools all over me. It's important bonding time. I hope all is well. Shawn July 6, 2020 Hi, Jan, Our little man continues to settle in and make his place. Rudy has found his vocal cords for starters! He whined to be picked up, put down, and everything in between. The other day, he couldn't see me and Suz wasn't in the room. Poor guy tipped his little head back and howled pitifully. I was heart broken for him. He was sure glad when I said his name. He's getting playful, too. He shredded a bag and started attacking a box for fun. I went shopping today, and he he got some new toys. So far, he likes the blue alligator best. It's rather spitty. He's a pro at coming in the back door, but out is hard, I think partly because of where his blind spots are. I'll be getting a half step put in so it's a shorter distance for him. If that doesn't work, he'll be getting a ramp. He's such a joy, and it's wonderful to see him feeling more confident. I love him so much, I could pop. I hope you're doing well. I remind him regularly that his other mom loves him and would be so proud of him. ❣️ Shawn August 6, 2020 Hi, again, We've had a couple uncomfortable days, ending this morning in another trip to the vet. Flash, aka Flash-a-ru or Rudy, wasn't poopying, and his mom got worried. So, off we went. His anal glands were full. Poor guy, we came home and he went three times in 10 minutes! I was so relieved. So was he, I'm guessing. He had a big lunch and a light dinner. Whew! I was getting so worried. We just went out and walked around the yard smelling flowers. He's so funny. He stops where I stop. Sniffs where I sniff, and on we go. We have a routine out there. After a walk, I sit down, and he comes over and sits by me for petting. I forgot tonight, and when I opened the door to let him in, he stared at me briefly, turned, walked over to my chair and sat down. With his back toward me. I have been reprimanded. Roundly. ❣️ Shawn September 21, 2020 Well, so far, so funny. Rudy is so excited, he's been river dancing all over the house. The boys explored the backyard with Rudy minding both of their business. He kept happy trotting over to me, making sure I knew there was a dog out there. Suz said her customary hi, and left it at that until further notice. And, I suspect Wade and Higgins will be coming to a deep and abiding understanding shortly. He doesn't seem remotely interested in the other cats. Higg says lucky me. More soon. It was nice to see you. Shawn September 23, 2020 Well, I'm sure his face Looks kissable, but that photo goes down in history as the only time he's been still enough for kisses!!! 😳😁 Wade has an awful lot to do, you know, a lot of responsibility here, there, and everywhere. It's nice to see him just plant himself here. He does a lot of off-road exploring in my gardens, and there's a lot to do about cats, herding and barking and such. He's learning their limits, so I have no concerns. I grow Big cats, strays from my garage who move inside, so he's outweighed by three of the four. The funniest, most endearing outcome so far, is Rudy's reaction. Outside, he jogs along and keeps track of everything Wade does. Best is that he keeps close track of his mom, and runs to me every time he sees me, whether Wade is out there or not. He always came to me, but he puts the after burners on now. And he lays close in bed, which was hit and miss before. Wade has to wear his fancy belt to bed now. I took it off last night, and he immediately claimed my side of the bed. We'll try without again after he's been here awhile and knows we all share everything. His diet so far has been my cat's diabetic diet. It's all protein--and almost $2 for a small can. He's not the least bit interested in raw turkey or cooked chicken breast. Of course those foods draw the cat element--much more interesting than food of any sort. Aw, he just came over for some mom scratches. The head is pivoting in my hand. The body is dancing all over the place. There's a "quick" update. (He just stood up against me to get his face by mine. More pets, please.) Everyone's adjusting and settling in. And the mom here loves her babies. ❣️ Shawn September 26, 2020 Hi, Jan, It's another day at Suzee's house, and her brothers are doing well. I just got home from the store with $137 worth of pet products. I splurged on myself and got bottled water, but mostly I was looking for edibles for the dogs. The boys turned down scrambled eggs, raw turkey, cooked chicken breast, Cooper's canned food, and peanut butter cheese crackers. On the plus side, everyone ate a good dinner and enjoyed some chicken jerky treats. Rudy has started doing this fast stiff-legged walk when he's on patrol in the yard. It comes in especially handy when he's minding Wade's business. When we go outside, they go potty, and then come to where I'm sitting, and I pick each one up for snuggles--Rambler hasn't quite figured this out yet. Suz is first, then Rudy. I was holding him this morning, and Wade was coming toward the house. I told Rudy he better see what his brother was doing. I put him down, and the little busybody landed stiff legged, and marched double time to where Wade was moseying around. I'm telling you the dog is no good. And perfect. Each little one is perfectly themselves. Wade is doing fine. He loves the yard and sometimes wants to stay outside a little longer after the other two come in. Only a few minutes, then he comes up the ramp and waits at the door. I think the newness is wearing off, and he might be missing his other family a bit. He's a little more subdued today although he's still doing his usual exploring. I may be imagining it, too. He's certainly enjoying his snacks. Okay, there's another chapter in the ongoing saga of Tenney dogs. It's a real page turner isn't it. 😁 ❣️ Shawn and family October 5, 2020 Hi, Jan, We're just checking in to let you know we're thinking of you and doing well. Rucy is becoming more and more a normal dog. He has a funny little personality and makes me laugh. Boy does he ever need his upcoming haircut!! In the photo above, he was super excited when I tore out a new page for him, but he was worn out after two years and just flipped over. It was just too much. Not to worry, he got back to work after a short nap. Little Wade is doing fine. He's eating nibbles here and there, and I put food down for him at odd times when everyone else is busy elsewhere. Like his brother, he prefers to take his meals without an audience. He does a good job of letting me know what he wants. He barks me every time I fail to anticipate his needs in advance. Persistent, he is, too. Thankfully, he doesn't have a shrill voice! He ignores the cats these days, likes to sleep next to my pillow or on my feet. I carry him when we go outside, so nothing gets marked en route, and he no longer has to wear his belt unless I go to the store or something. My Suz is doing well and seems to have righted herself after three scary weeks. I think the Rimadyl was too much for week kidneys. I haven't had to infuse her in a couple weeks, and she's recovered her bounce. I'm so thankful. I'm very much in love with my squirrelly little canines. They absolutely melt me a hundred times a day. Thank you for saving them and entrusting them to me. Saying I love them isn't even the half of it. Photos coming after the haircuts. ❣️ Shawn and the fur babies November 5, 2020 Hi Jan, The kids and I are checking in. As the boys settle in, there's less to report, but I have a couple new things. Wade is doing fine. He's still hot and cold with regard to snuggling, but he seems happy and is otherwise bouncy and engaged. He does a lot of exploring which has forced Rudy to branch out, because Rudy is so busy and intent on minding everyone else's business. He has to venture out or lose bossing opportunities, which he's loathe to do. Rudy has appointed himself top cop. I was watching all three dogs in the backyard today. When Wade and Suz split up, Flashy spent his time marching back and forth between them. He has a stiff little march when he's out on business. Too funny. I've noticed two big changes in him. First, he asks for more and more attention. If I sit down, he comes right over and paws at my leg, or on my back when I sit on the bed. He even stands on his back feet and double digs my back when necessary. His scratching goes into hyperdrive if I'm holding Suz. Jealous bone. The other huge change is eye contact. Over the last week, I've noticed a significant change in him making and holding eye contact!! Without fail, he has always looked to the side when I've talked to him or petted him. The last couple days, he's been holding my gaze and really looking at me when I talk to him, even when our faces are really close together. 💔🥰 Suz is doing well and has been chubbing up a little again. She needed to replenish her stores, so her mommy is very pleased. I found a great home for the extra cat. She's happy and cherished, as she deserves. Sad story with a happy ending for her. She was adopted from a rescue as half of a bonded pair. The people decided they only wanted the other cat and just put her outside. Poor little cub. She's doing great with her new family, and she's getting super pampered. I'm so happy for her. There's one other big guy/cat outside I need to trap. He's beautiful, but I have no place for a kennel to isolate and work with him in my house. What to do... We're thinking of you and hoping you're doing well and staying healthy. You and your family remain in my prayers. ❣️ Me n the kids November 21, 2020 Hi Jan, I haven't heard from you in awhile. I hope you're doing okay. I know you have a lot going on. All is well here. Rudy is my baby shadow. We're together unless he's minding Wade's business. I'm more in love with him every day. He waves his magic paw, and I get busy serving his needs. Wade is doing fine, too. He went to the vet this week because he was rubbing his ears. He has a mild infection, and is doing much better already. He cracks me up with his rapid little trot. He races me to the kitchen several times a day. The other day after baths, he curled up on the bed and used Rudy's back end as a warm pillow. They look so fluffy and adorable. It's time for a hair cut for everybody, including their mother!! Suz is doing great. She's her usual bouncy self, always in a happy mood. It took two years, but she lets me hold her. I keep her evolution in mind when Wade wants nothing to do with me. 😁 It takes more time for some than others. I love them all the more for their eventual trust. Suz turned 18 1/2 in October. Dr. B calls us the shih tzu old folks home. He's really impressed with how healthy and happy they all are. I'm about to trap a cat that lives part of the time in my garage. I don't know what I'll do with him, but it's getting cold, and I can't stand to have him outside while we're all warm and well fed in here. He's a beautiful big boy, and so afraid. He'll have to be kenneled for awhile, but at least he'll be warm, safe, and loved. I tried to trap him a couple days ago, but I caught the neighbor's darn cat!! I have enough food to get through this week. After that, we'll have to punt if I can't get up there. So, please let me know if there's a good time for me to come up. I know the timing is bad because of all you have going on, so we'll make do. Wishing you wellness and hoping you're okay. ❣️ Shawn and family December 18, 2020 Hi Jan, The boyz are doing great. As you see from the photo, they're crashed out beside me. Rudy is especially warn out after an industrious round of Christmas paperwork. Wade is sleepy because he was busy keeping me on the very edge of the bed all night. It's a lot of work for a small dog, takes a lot of stretching. He deserves a good rest. Suz is happy, too. She's asleep in her bed on the floor because she got an extra snack after the boys fell asleep. Thinking of you and sending gratitude for all the love and laughter these guys bring every day. We're having quite the life!! I hope you're doing well in spite of the difficulties. I think of you and your sister often and send prayers. ❣️ Shawn and the babies. December 31, 2020 Hi, Jan, Suzee and Wade turned in early. I'm sitting here contemplating the end of an awful year with the exception of two perfect little bright spots. Rudy is finishing up some end-of-year paperwork before turning in. Wade went with me to my parent's house today. He wore his sports belt, and spent the visit doing some toning leg lifts. He ignored my mom's dogs and cats--and me, but enjoyed helping my mom in the kitchen by being everywhere she tried to turn. Good boy!! He also enjoyed being packed around by my dad for a few minutes of male bonding. He slept all the way home. Dehydration is my theory. We were only gone an hour and a half, but Rudy was so happy to see us, he squealed. He's been glued to my side ever since. No complaints here! We wish you a happy, healthy, MUCH improved new year full of unforeseen blessings. Sending love and hugs to all the Collins clan. ❣️ Shawn, Suzee, Rudy, Wade, Murray, Higgins, Cooper, and Daisy 🐾🐾🐾 January 7, 2021 Hi, Jan, The boys got their faces trimmed tonight. They're looking very handsome. Wade went to see Dr. B today. The itching is back, and he vomits oral meds, so he got a little shot. Dr. B said he looks great and happy and healthy. He's asleep on my chest right now, much to Rudy's dismay. Mr. Rudy made me tear up today. I was reading and dropped my hand beside me. He got up and moved over to lie on my hand and went to sleep. He's So my baby. Miss Suzee is doing great, too. She's loving the snow with the warm temps. It makes for great romps!!! We hope you're doing well. Hugs and kisses for the babies. ❣️ March 23, 2021 Hi, Jan, We haven't had a proper check-in for awhile, so here are some updates. Mr. Wade has had his best fees days since joining us. It's all about sunshine and yard exploration. I can barely get him to come back in the house! He starts with his perimeter check, then visits the tree in the middle of the yard. If I don't make him come in, his next stop is a soft spot in my flower bed where he parks himself in the sun. He was super snuggly yesterday, so we sat and rocked for about a half hour. Poor Rudy nearly had a stroke. Speaking of Rudy, he's doing fine. He's suddenly back on duty what with Wade wandering far afield, and Rudy having to mind everyone else's business. Today was hard for him because I swept the patio, and had the boys out with me. He couldn't decide what his responsibilities were in this scenario. Whose business takes priority? He stuck pretty close to me, but kept his eye on Wade. Every time Wade wandered up near the house, Rudy had to march right over and see that things were in order, but then he came back and helped sweep. We're pretty much always together, and the magic paw still works for getting ear and belly scratches. And anything else he wants. Wade makes his needs known by standing with his front feet on my back and pawing me until he gets a snack or some snuggles. Suz will be 19 next month. She still bounces everywhere she goes, pounces me when she comes in or when I get home, and every day is her best, happiest day ever. She's slowing down in some ways, but she's still the most joyful being I've ever had the privilege of loving. Even getting in trouble makes her happy. I will have had her three years in May. Oh how I love my babies! Everyone's smelly and unkempt, so tomorrow is bath and grooming day at the Tenney house! Big doin's. How's little Cash doing? What a little cutie!! I bet he won't be around long. My heart so badly wants to come and get Ellie and Tinkie. I fell so in love with them. The timing just isn't right right now, but I miss them and wish they were here. I hope you're all doing well. Once spring cleaning is under my belt, I'll make a date to come up. Hugs from the clan who send love and gratitude to their rescue mom and dad. ❣️❣️❣️ July 14, 2022 Hi., I'm so loving my boys. Rudy is my little shadow. He's such a devoted little guy, and all he asks in return is three hours of belly rubs a day. He's getting very brave outside. He'll go out exploring on his own now. He sniffs around one spot, then marches to the next spot. He trots around like a show dog with great purpose. Little Wade is more independent unless we're in bed. Then, we must be touching at all times. I'm replacing my privacy fence, and he is absolutely certain his muse lies on the other side. He has a wanderlust, so he's getting a chip during his dental. I don't let him roam, but he'd like to. It worries me since I don't make them wear collars unless we're going somewhere in the car. Better to be safe. He sneaks by me at the door when he can, and then bounces around the yard on a mission of some sort. I pick him up before I open the front door. Little pistol. They are the sweetest boys. I'm so grateful to have them. Smooch the babies for me.
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