Charger

$25 Carolyn A Swanberry

Charger has just arrived all the way from Louisiana! He is a victim of Hurricane Katrina. He was one of the original pets taken to a temporary shelter setup to help the Katrina victims pets after the storm. Charger was quickly reclaimed by his family. However, after a short time his family, homeless themselves, realized they did not have the resources to keep Charger.Charger's heartbroken family had to take him back to the temporary shelter.

Charger is a one year old male yellow lab. He is a wonderful dog who loves to go walking and every thing else in life. Sadly, even with help from many wonderful organization over 100,000 pets were impacted by this disaster. Many have been held in temporary shelters for months hoping to be reclaimed or adopted to another family. Now these temporary shelters have to shut down. Leaving Charger and many other homeless pets facing euthanasia

Here is a note and some pictures from Charger's foster mom, Anita.

Charger is doing GREAT!  The first day or so was rough for him - getting used to all the strange stuff in a house.  The non-carpeted floors are scary for him as well as the tv, reflections in windows, etc.  He was spending most of his time in the back of his crate (door was open) or laying under whatever chair Dave or I was sitting in.

Now he is out and about most of the time.  He has started playing with Torie and coming to us for lots of hugs and kisses.  His house manners are excellent!  No accidents, counter surfing or chewing on anything but dog toys.  He really does not like to go out in the yard alone.  He prefers a human go with him.

He hasn't missed a meal - not even the first night.  And was a really good boy in the bathtub.  He goes in his crate immediately when asked and does not make a peep.  I'll start working on his leash manners in a few more days.  He does seem to know the commands sit, down and shake.

Right now he is whining at the front door because Dave just left for work -he really likes Dave alot.  So I will go and distract him...Thanks for bringing charger into our lives!-Anita

Charger is is excellent health. He is up-to-date on his vaccinations, heartworm negative and neutered. More information when we get to know this lovely boy. Foster Mom, Anita -email : anitac@frontiernet.net.

May 2, 2006 Update

Greetings from Karen, Dwight, Charger and Bubba,

Well, it's been a week since Charger has arrived and he seems to be adjusting quite well. He has made himself right at home on the couch, chair and anywhere else he sees fit. He definitely thinks he's a lap dog as we can't sit down without him sprawled out across our chests and laps. He and his new brother are becoming more and more comfortable with each other. In fact, I think Charger might be getting a little too comfortable with his brother and forgets whose boss - they were playing last night and I think Charger might have received a well deserved swat from the cat.

We have been walking everyday and meeting tons of new people and dog friends. In fact, there are quite a few dogs in the neighborhood that we want to introduce and have play dates in the backyard. We are working diligently on sitting and leaving us alone when we are eating, I would say that Charger is surely testing us and our boundaries. He has also decided that the bed is his new place of rest however, we are quickly nipping that in the bud. He doesn't seem to be interested in any of his toys rather, he just wants to be near our side no matter what we are doing. He absolutely loves Dwight and whines and cries anytime he leaves the vicinity and when he returns, its like a reunion.

We have also been playing a lot in the back yard, he seems to like the old, soft, baseball that Dwight gave him. He plays a few rounds of fetch and then loses interest - he would rather be jumping on us and soiling yet another white shirt :-). He is coming to understand when we are about to leave and becomes hesitant to come inside. He plays a little game of chase but finally comes when he's called. He does well at night in his crate but, doesn't like going in it when its time to leave for work. He is such a sweet boy and is perfect for our family. He just can't get enough attention and can't go on enough walks. He is getting better with his sitting but, I do think that we will need to enroll him in obedience school very soon.

He has gotten along with everyone that has come by to pay him a visit and we have yet to meet a dog that he doesn't like. We did have to take him to the vet on Saturday because he had an ear infection. He had been shaking his head and ears all night long. Sure enough, there was yeast growing in his ears and we are giving him medicine 2x per day for 7-10 days. While we were there, I also picked up his heartworm medicine. He was terrific at the vets office and showed no signs of being scared. Actually, it was just another place for him to get attention and treats. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. We will be taking many more and will be sure to share them with you.

Thank you for bringing Charger into our lives, he is a blessing and we just love him! All the best, Karen and Dwight

Quick Time Movie of Charger (works for people with cable connections and Quick Time installed)