Herding Trials for some of the CastAway Boyz!!

Accompanied by their Pembroke Pal, Miss Ghillie, and their foster mom, K.D., CastAways, Nolan, Wilson and Charlie all had a taste of what it is to do the job for which you were bred - herding! 

Time to meet the sheep, kindly made available by their owner, JoAnna, and Steve, their trainer, who graciously provided herding instinct testing for our Rescues. - Thanks Joanna and Steve!

What's your guess? Who had the herding genes in the group? Check out the photos below and see!

Getting one-on-one attention is never a bad thing for a Corgi.  Steve shares some herding advice before the sheep enter the scene. Dog and shepherd must be in synch for this to work well!

Foster mom, K.D. shows Nolan and Wilson how it's done.

Whoa...Nolan is a natural!

Perfect Nolan, round 'em up!

Hey, wait a minute!

Nolan takes a moment to inspect the perimeter 

and savor the beautiful day.

Meanwhile, Wilson has work to do, with the help of Steve's corgi, Sammo.

OK Wilson...these are the sheep, it's up to you now!

You've got it Wilson, that's the way to get those sheep in line.

Thanks Sammo...and you're a great teacher!

Good job Wilson!

Run Wilson, run!

Watch carefully Wilson!

Go get 'em Sammo!

Someone looks like a tired Corgi.  Showing your new buddy what it takes to be a real herding dog takes its own kind of energy!

Oh, and for the record...no photos of Charlie wasn't a coincidence. He and Ghillie are like-minded on this one, showing no real interest in the sheep. Much more fun to play with the humans! 

And thanks again to Steve for giving us an absolutely gorgeous November morning, complete with show dusting in the air, and the opportunity to see which of the Boys possesses natural herding talent!

It's a very Happy Halloween for Nolan!

By far the most under-socialized (shy) of our recent CastAway/Puppy Mill rescues, Nolan gained a lot of confidence by having a Role Model. Here pretty tri-color, Ghillie, (also a formerly-shy rescue girl) shows him that meeting new people can be a lot of fun!

Nolan's confidence has also been boosted by the bond he's formed with his foster mom, K.D., and the excellent care she's given him. After a nice bath Nolan shows off his beautiful coat. This was his first time on a grooming table...a big accomplishment and a true statement of the trust he's built in K.D.

Here's something we never thought we'd see so soon! Nolan showed enough confidence to go to a Halloween Costume Party, accompanied by K.D. and his best canine friend, Ghillie. Commando Nolan made an appearance and was a great hit among the Therapy Dog Group's party attendees. He didn't even mind wearing the goggles...go figure!

And here's Ghillie in her costume. You'd never know from that smile that this little dog was too frightened even to approach a person when she first entered rescue! Today she's a social butterfly, thanks in large part to the patient work K.D. has done with her over the years! We never thought a "shy dog" could accomplish so much. They never cease to amaze and inspire us!

As if there was any question, as to who is Top Dog at this party?

To complete the picture, of course K.D. had to dress to match Nolan and Ghillie. Think Nolan is having a good time? Who has the bigger smile?

If you haven't figured it out by this time, Nolan has been welcomed as a permanent resident into K.D.'s home. The connection between this dog and his foster mom has been incredible from the start. We can't force a bond like this. It is a special gift when it happens.

Recently K.D. said, "I look at Nolan and he just makes me smile! I can't imagine him living anywhere else!"

And neither can we!

Congratulations Nolan - you couldn't have found a better home and we couldn't be happier for you!

Big Hugs, and Happy Halloween, from ForPaws Corgi Rescue!

Live...from Minnesota - Corgi Summer Olympics!!!

New World Records set by Competitors without Tails!!

Updated events have just been filed by the CPI (Corgi Press International) from Minnesota where the Corgi Summer Olympics are taking place this year. Senior Correspondent, K.D., reports on the action:

TRACK & FIELD COMPETITION

Charlie has been practicing running laps and I told him it paid off!  He won a SILVER Medal for his "SPEED" and ability to "LEAP" straight in the air and land on the other side of the finish line, without breaking stride.  He also is quite talented at kicking up a lot of dust to throw off the competition!

SPLISH SPLASH IN THE CORGI CUBE

Wilson has perfected the NEW swimming stroke that is done on land.  Have you all heard of this one?  It is an incredible new event called "Alligator Man"?  The dog is jumping up and down with his front legs and bowing at the same time while his mouth is snapping and he makes a little growling sound. Well, our own Mr Wilson seems to be quite a natural "alligator man".  You should see him in action!   The unbelievable movement landed him a SILVER MEDAL. We will see this guy again in 2012, and you better believe he's going for the Gold (Did somebody say Solid Gold...where's the food?)

NEW EVENT THIS YEAR - INTRODUCING,  "AND YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD DANCE - OLYMPIC STYLE!"

Kelly (Hey Gene Kelly look out! You aren't the only one that can dance!) Kelly won a SILVER Medal in FLOOR Exercises with his incredible "Foot work,"  complete with verbal expressions! The judge was quite impressed with this talented "Young" (in fact the youngest in the field) competitor. This one has a brilliant future ahead and we'll be looking for him again in 2012!

EMOTIONAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES STORIES, AN EXCLUSIVE AS TOLD TO CPI

Nolan competed in a very special class where most dogs could not enter.  It is a most special class and he excelled.   It was called the "HEART" contest.  No one else even came close.  This "Little Man" touched the judge's hearts and it was clearly visible by the tears in her eyes.   The amazing depth to this little guy is staggering.  Needless to say, he didn't have to stagger to the top of the platform, but hopped up with ease to accept his GOLD MEDAL! Nolan, you're our Hero!

A Better Time for Nolan

Nolan's first venture into the big world of social situations verified our observations regarding his status as the "shyest" of the four. He was clearly uncomfortable and not yet interested in meeting strangers. He wasn't nearly as happy to be the center of attention as say....Charlie!

So we thought we'd give Nolan a little morale boost by letting him run around a bit with his new little friend, Ghillie. Typically the presence of another non-threatening corgi does wonders for a dog like Nolan. And sure enough, Ghillie really brought him out of his shell. 

Things started out in a low key fashion with a little relaxation 

next to a gorgeous bed of summer flowers.

But Ghillie was ready to explore, 

so Nolan decided to follow along.

OK, fine...you're not the only corgi who can run fast 

on those short little legs!

Whew! You've had a little more practice with the fast running 

than I have.  Let's stop & catch a breath.

There's always good stuff to sniff here Nolan - check it out!

Wow...my first kiss....it's really nice - can we do it again?

Nolan - The Last to Venture Out

Our shy boy, Nolan, made his debut in the Outside World today. As expected, he was not as outgoing as his three comrades. He was more comfortable keeping to himself and not interested in socializing with his foster mom's friends. (Thanks to Katie and Pat for their kindness in working with Nolan!) Much of the time he wanted to hide behind his foster mom, with whom he has developed a strong bond. He is the "velcro" in the group.

Actually this type of behavior and level of confidence is what we'd anticipated from all four, given their lack of exposure to the world. In many ways Nolan is more willing and curious than we'd expected these dogs to be, but he requires more reassurance than the others. He was interested in examining the landscape as he walked around the block, but wasn't interested in people. 

Nolan was less-than-thrilled at the idea of approaching a stranger, but wasn't nearly as fearful as many puppy mill dogs can be at this stage.

He did submit to being held, but wasn't crazy about the idea.

But when Nolan got back to his foster home, he was introduced to K.D.'s little rescue girl, Ghillie.  He was MUCH more interested in her!

Miss Ghillie... Isn't she a looker?

Here's what K.D. had to say about Nolan's introduction to Ghillie:

"Ghillie stuck her nose thru the fence to sniff him. She sat down next to the fence and gave him her entire side so he could sniff her and she did not look into his eyes but rather gave the - approachable side - it is okay to sniff me thing.  Nolan wagged, Ghillie wagged and they exchanged some communications." *

*Interesting fact: Ghillie was also a puppy mill rescue. She was far less confident and well-socialized than Nolan is today when K.D. adopted her. She has blossomed with the patience and excellent care she's been given. Today this lovely girl is a Registered Therapy Dog and has just achieved her Canine Good Citizen certification! She's a great role model and it seems that Nolan has noticed!

But his FAVORITE girl still seems to be K.D. for right now. She said:

"Nolan now jumps up on me to be picked up or he lays down and rolls on his back with his feet in the air and looks at me.  RUB my belly!! So I held him for a good 20 minutes.  He never tried to get down."

Fun Facts - As we Learn More!

Charlie - Great table manners: He lays down with his bowl between his feet when he eats. Also does the Frog Dog - too cute!

Wilson - Is showing himself to be quite a character. The most serious of the group upon arrival in foster care, this fellow is now showing that he's playful....and VERY smart! Each dog has his own kennel area and his own outside run area. Wilson has already figured out whos is whos!

Nolan - Asked his foster mom if "Clean Sheets" came with room service. He is kenneled next to a couple of cats and doesn't like the way they stare at him. Quiet up to now, his first bark was at the cats. From now on he gets a "privacy sheet" hung between him and the cats!

Kelly - The diplomat: Gets along with everyone - even the cats!

And we're told that they all like Country Music and Oldies. When I asked K.D. how she knew this, she said: "That's what they listened to all the way home from the shelter - and they didn't HOWL at it! " 

OK, I'll take that for now! But we will have to see just who likes Shania Twain and who votes for Mick Jagger, as we get to know them better!

This Week's Activity: Healing Body & Soul

This evening I received an update from the Cast Away Rescue's Foster Person, "K.D." She said:

The Cast Aways are enjoying the down time to rest and heal. Not just their external hurts, surgery etc. but their hearts, minds and souls.  They like their new individual runs (dens) as their own and not having to share everything.  They also like being clean.

Charlie is like a puppy with his inquisitive nature. He gets into everything if I give him half a chance.  Then he races around and chases back and forth when he comes inside for the night.  I attempt to catch him like a game but let him make a few passes running past me before I finally catch him. (Hmm...could this be an agility dog in the making?)

Kelly is the most mellow.  He is sweet, friendly, outgoing, and has kissed my fingers and cheek. Tonight he rolled on the grass about half a dozen times.  When I asked him "what are you doing Kelly?  You goofy dog!" He got up and just looked at me, like "What do you mean? or who me??"  He is So cute.

Wilson is the surprise as he keeps changing daily.  Mr Wilson as I call him.  Sometimes gruff with the others as they are being taken in or out, he has "words" for them.  I think he is trying to tell them he is in charge, but not sure. I do tell him that he needs to knock it off or stop and he does!!

 

When I go to his pen and want to bring him in, he is starting to play. Bouncing up and down, runing around, me acting like I am chasing him, bent over, butt in the air, hands closer to the ground and he is so happy.  He even runs between my legs from behind.  Since he is such a chunck I try NOT to pick him up anymore than I have to. I have not tried the "On the back thing yet".

Nolan is the quietest one.  Although this morning, he spoke his mind to Tramp (the cat).  He did not enjoy having Tramp meowing at him.  Tramp just sat in the corner of the kitty run and stared at Nolans food. I did not realize at first that they could see each other.  Nolan definitely told Tramp to back off because it was his food.  Tramp however felt that since the dogs were in his "Former" extended kitty fun and run area, why shouldn't he share that good smelling chicken dog food!

You all take care and stay tuned for more.  They love the outside runs and enjoy just laying on the grass or ground and watching and listening to everything around them.  I am sure it is just a "TAD" overwhelming!

Thanks K.D. You're doing an awesome job with these nice boys. They're obviously becoming much more relaxed and are starting to show us who they really are. Sounds like more fun than a Barrel of Corgis!

Back to Basics - Getting them Healthy!

A big day today as our four Cast Aways all had their first vet visit. For Kelly, Nolan and Wilson, this meant saying goodbye to some beloved treasures...time for the neutering! Charlie had that experience just before we pulled him while he was still in the shelter.

Everyone was tested for heartworms and found to be negative - Yahoo! This is a Big Deal, as heartworm treatment is quite $$ and not easy on a dog.

Other fun stuff included rabies shots all around (other vaccinations were done in the shelter), plus fecal tests, ear cleanings (a couple have ear infections). And another first...dental cleanings! Sadly, due to neglect of their dental health, three of the four dogs required tooth extractions. Nolan won the prize needing to have 5 teeth removed. Lesson: Brush your dog's teeth!

We suspect that we will see an upsurge in energy level, particularly from Nolan and Kelly who had multiple infected teeth. This is extremely draining, as the dog's immune system is fighting to control infection and it can really sap a dog.

And...then there was the bill! Funny how none of these canines pulled out a checkbook when it was time to pay the $1,344.00 bill! (And that was with the Rescue Discount applied!).

But, other than the dental work, there were no issues - they're all basically very health fellows and it feels good to know that they'll be in good shape when they're ready to find their permanent homes!

Rehabilitation and Socialization - It's a Long Road

After only a couple of days, our four new Cast Away Boyz are starting to relax. We're seeing more interest in exploring their new environment, more smiling, more interest in food, etc. But these fellows have a lot ahead of them. If you've never owned or fostered an "undersocialized" dog, it is an experience unlike what you'd expect. It requires time and patience beyond anything you can imagine.

Wilson's First Bath - Grooming Table? What's That?

Consider what you'd be like if you'd been born in prison, raised in a cell, then released on your 25th birthday! That's right. You turn 25, the cell door is unlocked and you're ushered to the front door. The door opens, you step out onto the dirt road in front of the jail. You've been given $50 and and a clean suit of clothes.  Now you're on your own! You've never seen a blade of grass. You've never eaten a really good steak. You've never been to a party. You've never ridden a bicycle....starting to get it?

Nolan's First Bath - Hmmm... I'd rather be out there on that Green Stuff

This is exactly what a puppy mill dog, now in foster care, is experiencing. In some ways many of these dogs do amazingly well. They learn to trust their new foster person within a couple of weeks. But figuring out the rest of the world....that takes a lot longer.

When we take dogs like this into foster care, we assume they will be with us for a minimum of 3 months. It isn't uncommon for them to need 6 months or more before they're ready to go to their permanent homes with their "real" families.

The key is trust. With the right foster person, an individual who can show them infinite patience, these dogs can slowly adapt to all of the new stimuli that awaits them in a typical home environment. 

Overcoming fear is the biggest issue. Everything is new and strange. They missed out on learning about the noise that a telephone makes, what it means to ride in a car, how to play with the spray from the garden hose. Not to mention how to accept people of all sizes, shapes, genders and hairstyles! (Yes, I had one that did NOT like baldness...go figure!)

They start out not knowing what a leash is, let alone how to walk around the block without being overwhelmed by all the new things they encounter. After a number of weeks/months, they become sufficiently acclimated to move on to Phase Two. That point at which a knowledgeable new owner can take them into their new home and continue the process.

We know that all four of these dogs are going to make it to Phase Two. We just don't know when. As of today, Wilson's big accomplishment was going outside to the yard on his own. He stayed out for just a few minutes, and then was ready to come back to the security of his new digs. For any normal dog, this is business as usual. For Wilson, this took a big leap of faith and a lot of courage! Hooray Wilson! 

There will be a lot more leaps, and some mis-steps too, as these dogs expand their horizons. Stay tuned! Given time and space, they will amuse, delight and snuggle their way into our hearts!

First Observations - Really Nice Personalities!

Now that our Cast Away Crew of Rescue Corgis have been in foster care for a couple of days, their personalities are already starting to emerge. All four are responding far better than we'd imagined; not as shy as we'd expected. Clearly these boys know that something BIG has happened. They seem to know that K.D., our foster mom, represents a ticket to a real life and they're determined to make the most of the opportunity. Here's what we've seen so far.

Wilson- Our tri-colored fellow is the shyest of the group, and the most serious. At times he shows a gruff exterior, but underneath there is a Teddy Bear. We don't think he has ever been on grass. He doesn't seem to have had too much human attention, but responds quite positively to it.  Our Foster Mom said: "Petting him and praising him does work as he will walk a little with me.  We sat on the grass and he crawled in my lap!!  Then he lifted his "BIG" head and licked my chin a couple of times." Quite a handsome boy, probably about 4 years old." I think we'll see more of the "Teddy Bear" side as this guy discovers his new world.

 

Charlie - A happy red/white boy, seems to be the alpha of the four. He also seems to be the most well-socialized and the one that was probably considered the most eligible for adoption by the shelter staff. Our Foster mom said: "He's very friendly and met my neighbor on the tractor as they were going to the garden to do some plowing. He was not intimidated by the noise at all.  He went up and met "Mary" and she petted him." Charlie's foster mom has also branded him the "comedian" of the group. Happy, bouncy and smiling, this is a nice fellow! Charlie was born in January 2004, according to shelter paperwork. We don't have any DoB information on any of the others, but we're pretty sure that Kelly is a littermate to Charlie, making them both about 4.5 years.

Kelly- A handsome red/white boy, Kelly is a little softer than the others. We think that Charlie and Kelly may be littermates. Like Charlie, Kelly is extremely friendly and outgoing.  He was not afraid of the neighbor's tractor when it was his turn to be out with his new foster mom. She said that he was "...running ahead of me and racing with the grass and checking out every spot under trees and flowers. He completely finished his dish of food before everyone else...and wants to be outside. I can lift him with no problems and hug him."

 

Nolan - A lovely red-headed boy, Nolan is extremely sweet. He seems like the oldest in the group, perhaps 5-6 years old. Was a bit hesitant at first, but within 24 hours, he's coming out of his shell nicely. Our Foster Mom said: "He is very outgoing and runs ahead of me on leash.  Not afraid of anything and very inquisitive with everything especially the grass and trees."  Nolan has a bit of a glamour coat and allowed himself to be brushed without any resistance. This is pretty significant for a dog that we've had less than 2 days! Foster Mom said: "I was able to rake out the pants.  While I was raking the underside very slowly and carefully, I held his right paw up so I could see and have access to this part of him. Nolan reached down and licked my hand that was holding his paw! I really like this fellow!"

 

More photos of the Cast Away Rescues

Wilson

Nolan

Kelly

Charlie