Well, it's been fun, but I think I am leaving the ranks of foster parent.
I went to talk to the director about Ivan today. their biggest concern was the whole dangerous dog thing. I took Ivan and Kavik in together and put Ivan through his OB work we have been doing. They were impressed, and ready to put him in a kennel to adopt out right then.
I know that some of the people who adopt there are really great people - but some aren't.
I told them I would prefer he stay with me...
Connie, I think I have the same glitch you have cause he's now registered in my name.
Guess I have to change my sig pic now...

Cameron,

Once again, I have to say how lucky Ivan is that you found him. Dogs always come into our lives for a reason . . .

Well, I have to say, I think I saw that one coming! Congrats on your new family member.

I had a devious plan to convince my husband we needed another dog, and convince you that you needed to drive Ivan down from SC to Florida, and then you could help me with my training skills!
So much for that plan...

(I think Ivan would have been a good match with my dominant female...)

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

I had a devious plan to convince my husband we needed another dog, and convince you that you needed to drive Ivan down from SC to Florida, and then you could help me with my training skills!
So much for that plan...

(I think Ivan would have been a good match with my dominant female...)

I am always up for a road trip and I LOVE fl...

The Gunther Chronicles...

Tick-tock. Today Gunther is picked-up by the NYSP aka 'Troopers' to go to Albany for his physical. If he passes, he goes to Cooperstown to be assigned to his partner, and the two of them begin the six or so month K-9 course, and if he passes, he goes on to explosives or narcotics detection training.

What a good dog. Each 'foster' presents a new set of issues to consider. With Gunther it was a prior-conditioning to be in a crate many hours a day - my response was to keep him out of the crate until ready for bed, and then up early with no more than 8 hours in the crate. I think he went from about 20 hours in a crate to 8 a day. What an initially confusing circumstance for him - freedom.

He has adapted to the socialization of other dogs quite well and is beginning to manifest a natural dominance - not always with a good dog/dog outcome.

Anyway... Today I get to watch Gunther be driven away in a shiny Trooper SUV, by a Trooper K-9 handler - I hope it is the young fellow I met last week at the initial evaluation. It is with some mixed-up emotions I will watch Gunther go.

He would make a great companion for a family that had the time and interest in him. But if he is successful, he will make an important addition to all of our safety. Ah well.

If he doesn't make the grade...

Possibly one or two more follow-up posts on Gunther are in the future. Kinda like a venting on my part. I mean, who likes to give up a dog that has wormed its way in, ya'know?

More coffee.

Mike

It is sad to see him go, but it sounds like a success story so far. You are assured he will be well taken care of, and from what I've seen, dogs LOVE working (and learning). He will be very happy with training and a job to do. I can not think of a better outcome for this dog.

I can only wish that would happen with my fosters, but the best I can hope for is a home with a fenced yard.

Mike, if he passes the physical, will he go directly into the program, or does he come back to you first?

Well... It was a long shot... Gunther didn't make the vet cut to become a NYSP K-9. I don't know the complete reason but it is supposed to have to do with one hip not being up to snuff. I guess x-rays don't lie.

He'll be coming back, I'm not sure just when. I hope I get him to complete his prep for an adoption.

I think he is a really good dog. He will make a wonderful addition to a home that really wants him to be part of the family.

In a way I'm disappointed but what is to be will be.