Last update: CHAPEL HAS BEEN ADOPTED

Hi, all,

This will be my last blog update for Chapel, as she's been adopted! By the couple mentioned in previous posts who have been working with her for a while! HAPPY ENDING!

Edited: Here is the blog address for Chapel's new family (they posted it in a comment but I wanted everyone to see it). I know she will be very happy: http://carvingmyinitials.blogspot.com/2010/08/2-years-old.html

Hugs,
Dana

Chapel's being adopted

This came from a representative of the rescue Chapel is with:

I would like to get some good news out. Chapel is being adopted by our trainers clients - They have a dog name Gino who does not like other dogs but loves Chapel. She will continue to go to obedience school to gain her confidence. Last weekend she went with her new Mom to the 1000 Island (north of Rochester NY) to visit with family and friends. She rides very good in the car and the trip went without problems.

Gino stayed home with the husband and showed signs of depression that she was not there. They made a decision to adopt her and have advised us they would like to move forward.

Chapel appears to be doing better each day. They try to mix it up by walking her in the woods, the block and the cemetery. They said last night the two dogs were laying back to back.

This is a happy ending. .. The road has been long and we could not have had this great ending without the people in Baltimore that helped us for a month get her back to safety and Duffys rescue program.

I can't thank you enough - and know that along the way we will meet again....

On behalf of Duffy's we all thank you for all that you did.

Another new update--she's doing well!

Another update from the rescue who has her:

Saw Chapel yesterday and she is doing well. She is getting to know the new potential foster to adopt couple. They have a dog that is iffy with other dogs but loves Chapel. Karlene said that she might leave within 7 days or so. I bought a tag for her collar so she has identification.

I hope this works... it sounds like a nice couple that don't mind dogs that are not perfect.

Her legs are longer so she must have lost weight with all the running she has been doing in Karlene's fenced area - she loves her doggie pack and was barking up a storm as I approached the fenced in exercise area under many shade tree's. Karlene's property is fringed with large creeks and a beautiful setting for the dogs. The area is almost 1/4 acre fenced so she runs and plays all day.

Karlene said she is doing well in basic obedience - and school buses and busy stuff does not bother her any more.

Lori

cross your fingers for Chapel: an update

Here's an update from the rescue that has Chapel:

All,

Karlene called this morning and she may have found a home for Chapel. Cross your fingers on this one. Chapel has been doing well in her training - but will take years to become a well socialized dog. Karlene told me last week that she would have 4 good days and then all of a sudden for no reason take a step back. I did not email this update as I knew she had a long road and this was to be expected.

Karlene provided board to a "clients" dog over the long holiday weekend. Apparently this dog bonded to Chapel and she to him. What is amazing is that they were looking to adopt another dog but their dog is picky in who his doggy friends are. The dogs got a long very well and the owners were very happy to learn that Chapel was up for adoption and like their dog very much.

The strategy is for them to come to Karlene's facility for 4-5 visits and get to know Chapel. Chapel will hopefully like them. If all goes well then she will go into a foster to adopt program at their house. If we are fortunate to have this work - I know these new owners will continue with training with Karlene.

Cross your fingers and say a prayer...

Lori
Duffy's Friends, Inc.

making progress

We just heard that Chapel is making progress. She is now trying to engage Karlene, her trainer, in play. She will tug on the back of her shirt, then get down in a play stance. Though it's small progress, it shows that Chapel is learning to trust!

another update

Hi All,

Debby and Rick went over to Karlene's on Thursday evening and got the chance to see and be with Chapel. She is well and getting into the life at Karlene's. As I mentioned in my earlier email, she no longer needs the long leash attached to her. Karlene mentioned to the Duffy's people that when she is called from outside and comes in the door its important not to directly look her in the eye.

Debby and Rick did find out that Chapel is fine and happy until you have eye contact with her. Debby said she walked her around the property on a leash but was careful not to give the eye contact. She walked well on the leash and appeared not at all phased by the leash walk. She likes Karlene and gives Karlene love.

Its going to take a while to get this dog in mental harmony but as you know obedience lessons builds confidence.

Lori
Duffy's Friends, Inc.

another great update from trainer!

This is a message from Lori, who is with the rescue that is working to find Chapel her forever home:

All,

I received a call today from our trainer Karlene and here is the update on Chapel.

She is doing very well and they are going to start training this week. She was being let out to exercise with a 25 ft leash attached but now they don't need it as she comes to the door when the gang is called in from exercise.

She is doing well with eating - although when dogs walk by her crate there is a bit of barrier aggression - not bad but it exists.

One night Karlene had her out and wandering the house and Karlene fell asleep on the couch. When she awoke she found 3 pairs of shoes and a bunch of stuff toys piled high in her crate. She also found a huge pile of doggie do do.

She is very sweet and has stopped going under the coffee table when she is loose in the house.

She is doing well and Karlene finds her to be a very sweet dog and very much under one year of age. Lot's of puppy left in her.

Karlene feels she has had enough time to get use to her new life and will start taking her to obedience classes all week long.

Different handlers of Karlene's staff will be taking her through the classes Karlene teaches.