All adopted animals need a period to adjust to their new surroundings. For many dogs, this transition time can be challenging, and new owners should allow for up to six months to get a sense of the dogs personality. Like every other senior who has entered the Sanctuary, Rufus seems to be adjusting very nicely. He has a calm demeanor, is very affectionate and comprehends the word 'no' very well. Although it is still to early to tell, we have high hopes for Rufus to become the first Sanctuary resident to become certified as a Therapy Dog. He seems to have a sense of the basic commands, but does not always respond right away. We are going to give him some more time to settle in before we start with the training, but Rufus seems to catch on pretty quick. I mean, look at how well this guy poses for the camera.
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After settling into our new sanctuary in Reno last year, we got to meet many dog owners in Old South West who like to use Plumas Park to exercise their canine companions. Although not a designated dog park, it is the most common use of the park, and many pet owners allow their dogs off-leash, There are always conflicts at public facilities like Plumas Park, that see heavy traffic & mixed use. Some park users were complaining about dog feces, and out of control pets so Washoe County Animal Control stepped up enforcement and even issued a few tickets for dogs off-leash. While we certainly understand and support common sense leash laws, and scorn those who refuse to clean-up after their pets, we also empathize with the desire to let our furry friends run free in neighborhood parks. The allowable uses for a public facility should be user-generated; it is our task as park users to learn to work together so the park is accessible, clean, and enjoyable for all. We wanted to do something to be part of a positive change in our neighborhood. Last year we organized three park clean-up days that were well attend by neighbors, and, with the help of Kim from Hand-to-Paws Dog Grooming Salon, installed two dog waste bag dispensers. We hope to encourage everyone to be better stewards of the park everyday by picking up after their pets, and build a stronger sense of community amongst park users. We are continuing our efforts to build a stronger sense of community in 2013. We will be hosting park clean-up days every third Saturday of the month through September. We invite everyone, dog lovers, soccer moms, and neighbors to join us in keeping the park clean and safe for everyone. If you would like to stay informed on Park clean-up days, you can sign-up here. As long as we have neighbors we will have conflict. We hope these park clean-up days will help to build a foundation on which neighbors can learn to solve more complex or controversial issues that are certain to come up. It is a great day at Homer J's Senior Dog Sanctuary. After the passing of Nik, we waited patiently for the right candidate to come along. Of course we are sad to see our friend go, but we know he would want to see someone else take his well worn spot on the couch. We were looking for the perfect mix of sharp wits, extra cuddleabilty, and an over-all old man way of being.
After a few near misses, the search is over, I would like everyone to meet Rufus. Rufus is a 9 year old, pure bred Terrier, who weighss in at a whopping 12.4 pounds. Weighing about 1/10th of both his predecessors, he has a big doggie bed to fill, but his calm energy, forever puppy face, and general likeability won me over. It did not take long for Rufus to settle into his new home. He has proven himself to be smart, house broken, submissive and trainable. Like every old dog I have adopted, he understands the word 'no' quite well and this proves invaluable in adjusting to a new place. He already knew some basic commands, and we have high hopes for his ability to become an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog. If so he will be our first to achieve this goal and we would be so proud. Right now he is a little worn out from his shelter experience, so we are giving him some R&R. Once he is feeling better, we will start training daily and hope to have him ready for his tests come July; I will keep his training progress updated as we go. He looks like such a puppy, so I know he will be a hit with a lot of people who could benefit from some doggie love in their lives.
Joe: So, Nick, let's talk recent developments.
Nick: Fire away. Joe: You had a doctor's visit. Nick: Yes, and usually I add "unfortunately" when speaking of my doctor's visits. I am getting up there, you know. Joe: But still looking young! Nick: You are too nice, Joe. Anyhoo, the doctor this time was different! I loved working with Doctor Pierce, the best Vet in Reno, at Reno Animal Hospital. He treated an area that I, ahem, had been scratching for quite some time. Joe: Some time? Nick: Okay, all the time. But my side got the help it needed. But now... Joe: Now, what? Why so glum? Nick: I have to wear this tee-shirt so I don't scratch and everything can heal. Joe: Looks good on you. Nick: Really? I don't look like I just got back from softball practice? Joe: Well, now that you mention it... Nick: Seriously? Joe: Just kidding. You're pretty stylin! Nick: That's what I like to hear. Joe: Any final thoughts? Nick: Yes. Recovery is the best thing even though I grumble about it. You know how dogs get. I am getting the help I need here at Homer J's Senior dog Sanctuary!
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