Expanding the Pack -- Adding a Puppy!

Finding Balance With a Puppy and an Older Dog

 At the beginning of the year, my husband and I decided it was time to expand our little pack and adopt a puppy.

 Although we adopted our eldest dog, Juno, as an adult, we felt ready for the challenge of a puppy one more time. But we would still adopt rather than buy a specific breed. We were hoping to find another lab mix, though, so focused our attention with that criteria in mind.

 We watched the listings from our local ASPCA and then also contacted a few rescue organizations. As luck would have it, Black Dogs, Second Chance (BDSC)came back to us with a 4-month-old puppy who was rescued from the streets in southwestern Texas. BDSC felt that our house made for a good fit for the little guy, as he was displaying a little bit of apprehension toward young children which they felt might become an issue.

 Seemingly overnight, we were puppy parents. Our older dog, Juno, was not terribly amused, but she took the newcomer in stride. We named him Polonius, or Polo for short.

 Having both a puppy and an 11-year-old in the house at the same time proved challenging, primarily for the same issues that any new puppy parents face: crate training, redirecting the puppy’s chewing habits to appropriate toys (rather than furniture or us), and making sure the little guy is properly socialized. Of course, Polo wanted to play with Juno, but she has never been one to bounce around and play doggie games, so that left my husband and I to fill the gap. Juno was a little displeased to have her naps interrupted, but soon learned she could move away a little while we played with him so she could go back to her snooze. I can’t say that I didn’t shed tears during the whole process (they were), but after a little while, we found a good routine with both dogs.



Therapy Dog Juno!

 Once the puppy was trained, it was time to re-establish balance in our household. So, we pursued some additional training for the puppy, while our eldest returned to her Therapy Dog visits. I strongly believe the dogs need to have individual attention time from us to be happy and healthy, just as much as it’s important for them to socialize together with other dogs.

 Today, Polonius is not only a graduate of puppy kindergarten, but has gone on to a more advanced “boot camp” where he honed his skills (and added a very useful command called “Place”). He’s currently enrolled in an Advanced Obedience class that’s a precursor towards earning his Canine Good Citizen certificate. We also aspire to have him join an agility team to help him focus his tremendous energy for chasing balls. Of course, he adores his big sister, and can’t wait to see her after he goes to daycare or a class to tell her all about his day. He also still loves to sleep as close as possible to her.

 As for Juno, she’s continuing her Therapy Dog work, and, even though Polo misses her when we leave for a visit, he’s learning the importance of some “alone” time. Like Polo, she greets her little brother with “kisses” when she comes home from her volunteering, and doesn’t mind his snuggles any longer.

Pursuing a balanced pack is a challenge for any dog owner, but it is possible even when they are on different ends of the age spectrum.

Did you know that in shelters, black dogs are the last to be adopted and first to be euthanized?

Find out more at Black Dog, Second Chance Rescue -- http://www.blackdogsecondchance.org/


MJ Courchesne is a freelance publishing consultant, writer, and part-time personal trainer with a passion for gardening, walking, wine, and travel. She lives in a restored 1890s Victorian home situated in the heart of Buffalo, NY with her husband and lab mix, Juno and puppy Polo.. Her new blog can be found at http://nickelcityboomerang.blogspot.com/. 

 

Girl Meets Dog: A Reluctant Love Story

 

The boxes weren’t even unpacked before it began: “When can we get a dog?”

This question wasn’t from a child unaware of the responsibilities and commitment a pet requires, but from my husband, who grew up with a pug and had been itching to have another pup in his life. Now with the purchase of our first home, complete with a fully fenced-in backyard and across the street from a large park, his time had come. Or so he thought.

The barking, the shedding, the walks in variable New England weather – I couldn’t imagine it. I grew up with a few birds, two hamsters and a hermit crab; apartment living in urban New Jersey didn’t lend itself to pets much larger. While my sister and parents have since each adopted a Chihuahua, I didn’t know – or care to see – the benefits of having your own dog. I saw dogs as I do children: cute and fun, but I’m happy to enjoy someone else’s. My new, clean house wasn’t missing anything. Or so I thought.

I was able to hold off until the following spring, until the Facebook page of a shelter (Odie’s Place Animal Rescue) featured a Yorkie in need of a home. If there was one breed of dog I could see in our house, she was it. My husband was thrilled I had taken an interest in getting a dog, and I think he was shocked I took the initiative to fill out the required questionnaire. Before I knew it, we had a home visit scheduled.

 

While Odie’s Place would be happy to place a dog with us, the Yorkie wasn’t the right fit. Plus, my husband had envisioned a larger dog to take on runs and hikes, and I could see he was growing hesitant of a tiny, potentially yappy breed. Not to worry, said Odie’s Place. A rescue from Thailand was “perfection” for us. Would we be interested in meeting a Border Collie/Shepherd/Husky mix? I wasn’t too keen on a long-haired, non-hypoallergenic dog, but the train had left the station. Yes, we’ll meet her and commit to a home trial.

Tessie enjoying her morning walk

 On March 5, 2016, my future love pranced into my living room. Her foster parents dropped her off, filling us in on her back story: around 3 years of age, she was on the streets of Thailand until she was hit by car in November 2015 when she was taken in by a local Thai shelter that provided rehab, including water therapy, until she was back up and running. The couple volunteered for Soi Dog, a not-for-profit that helps the homeless, neglected and abused dogs and cats of Thailand, and it also works to end the dog meat trade throughout the region. They each flew back to the U.S. with five dogs, with all 10 dogs already committed to a home. To our luck, the family who was interested in our future love fell through, so they reached out to Odie’s Place to help them find the right home for her.

 

Tables give dogs extra space in crowded Thai shelters,
which could explain Tessie's love of hopping up on our picnic table. 

 

 
She was sweet and mild-mannered from the very beginning. She seldom barks and barely sheds. She is the reason I wake up and finally take the daily morning walks I promised myself. We knew she was meant to be ours the same day she walked into our lives. We re-named her Tessie and haven’t looked back. She truly is perfection.

I shudder to think about how I almost let my fears and ill-conceived notions of dogs get in the way of having Tessie here with us. I know now why people love their dogs, talk to them and treat them as their baby – all things that used to make me roll my eyes. But now I’m one of them, one of you, I should say. Tessie has me wrapped around her paw, and I couldn’t be happier.

 Maria Poulos Pimentel is a New Jersey transplant now settled in New England.   Maria works in marketing and publicity by day and snuggles with her sweet collie/shepherd/husky Tessie by night. She was a reluctant dog owner at first, but she's quickly learning the ropes and discovering all the joys of doggie parenting. Maria will be sharing more of her adventures in dog love with PawsGo.

 

 

A Winter Trip to Virginia’s Dog Friendly Wineries

Spring, summer and fall are perfect times to load the dogs in the jeep and head out to Virginia’s wine country for a day of sips, walks, shopping and lunch on a dog-friendly patio.  But the cold wet winter months are a bit more challenging.

Undeterred by the freezing forecast -- my husband, friend Alyson (visiting from California), Boomer, Kacey and I took the 50 mile drive from Alexandria to Delaplane, Virginia.

Our first stop was Barrel Oak Winery (www.barreloak.com ).  Upon arrival, there is little doubt that Barrel Oak is dog-friendly.  We are immediately met by dogs leaving the tasting room, or just taking a potty break.  To say that Barrel Oak loves dogs would be an understatement.  The tasting room is filled with owners and their dogs.  The gift shop has great dog-inspired items, and their wines pay homage to canines, such as their Chocolate Lab Dessert Wine.  A quick look at their events calendar and I see two dog-focused fundraisers in the month of February.

It’s hard NOT to have fun at Barrel Oak.  There is a buzzy welcoming vibe – everyone is happy! Friends and families are picnicking on the fire pit heated patio.  Kids and dogs are getting lots of attention.  We slide up for a tasting and quickly realize that we are standing next to a couple and their dog Tucker from our neighborhood!  Wine and dogs are great conversation starters!

We purchased a couple of bottles from our server Nate, and then headed to our next stop – Aspen Dale Winery (www.aspendalewinery.com ).

While Barrel Oak has the buzzy festive atmosphere, Aspen Dale is closer to a cool coffee shop (but with wine and in an old barn).  Dogs are also welcome in the tasting room which is warm, hip, and relaxed.  A soloist on guitar plays “coffee shop” music.  There is a fire in the fireplace.  Dogs relax on the floor and owners sit on comfy couches, at café tables, or stand at the tasting bar.

Aspen Dale provides a small plate of “pairings” to go with the wines – a piece of apricot, a bite of sausage, a bit of chocolate – all perfectly paired with each wine.  We loved it!  We loved it so much we purchased a bottle of their Parris Country Red Blend (yum), some pheasant sausage and sage cheese for a little snack.  Aspen Dale is one of those special places where you could easily spend the entire afternoon.

Pairings at Aspen Dale

                                                                       



From Aspen Dale, we wandered a bit, but thanks to iPhones and GPS, we eventually found Cobbler Mountain Cellars (www.cobblermountain.com ).  Located on a hill off of a couple twisty gravel roads is their lovely tasting room.  Like Barrel Oak and Aspen Dale, it’s also in Delaplane, but it's the youngest of the three wineries. 

 

 

 

The Cobbler Mountain Paw Wall

Cobbler Mountain is very friendly.  We immediately felt welcomed and the dogs were appropriately gushed over!   Given its location – far off of a main road, dogs can actually go off leash in their yard.  An entire wall in their tasting room is covered with paw prints and the names of their dogs and dog clients. 

 

Cobbler Mountain Cellars often hosts groups of dogs and their owners for special events – there was a recent gathering of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in the summer and early fall, Cobbler Mountain holds weekend camping and hiking trips for owners and their dogs.

New friends at Cobbler Mountain

 

We left Cobbler Mountain with a bottle of Vidal Blanc and a promise to return. 

Our winter outing to Delaplane, Virginia wineries was great fun.  Boomer and Kacey got plenty of attention in three very different and welcoming wineries.  We got to taste and purchase great wines in a variety of settings – winter was the perfect time to visit Barrel Oak, Aspen Dale and Cobbler Mountain – but we’ll go again in the spring!

There are currently 253 wineries in Virginia and MANY are dog friendly.  Only California, New York, Oregon and Washington have more wineries than Virginia.

 www.virginiawine.org, lists all wineries and their regions.  You can also filter by varietals and if the winery is pet friendly.