Christopher (Chris)

Shannon $100

Meet Christopher: 4-22-06

Christopher's owner failed to make arrangement for Christopher continuous care .  When Christopher's owner died, Christopher, like so many other orphans, found himself in a shelter facing death himself. He was confused, scared, and just shaking in a cage, when a kind shelter volunteer asked us to help. You see Christopher was a pampered companion, in addition to losing his father, cold cement floors, noise, and loneliness shelter life brings frightened him. He would not even lie down, until a someone brought him a bed. Like most recently orphaned pets, Christopher was grieving for his owner and lost interest in living himself. He would not get up to exercise, go potty, or eat. He shook so much the shelter thought he might be sick. The vet could not find any thing physically wrong with him. Even if the shelter had a high adoption rate, Christophers chances for a new family were bleak.

When hearing of his plight, one of our BlueMoon Volunteer (Shannon) offered to foster Christopher and drive all the way from NY to VA to bring him back to BlueMoon. Christopher was in the same shelter as Trip's Glory and April's Freedom, and all three dogs were running out of time. In addition, the shelter was closing down for repairs this weekend. Christopher's grieving state, the shelter low adoption rate, and the closing would cost Christopher his life.

Right now, as you read this page, Chrisopher, Trip, and April should be in a warm car heading to NY. Assuming the trip goes well, they should all be arriving very late tonight. We will up date you on their journey ASAP! Our great appreciation goes out to Shannon on her mission of mercy for these three souls.

4-26-06 Update

Christopher is such a gentleman! He is very "personable" haha! Actually there was no pun intended. He is doing wonderful with people/strangers. No fear or aggressive behaviors when someone comes to the door and knocks or just walks in. My dad comes over daily to let him out and hasn't had any problems. A friend walked in last night and Chris barely acknowledged him (until he petted Chris and then Chris wouldn't leave him alone!)

Dee came over today and he went with her with out problems. And speaking of going with people, he is pretty good on the leash. He has a quick walk and walks in front of you, but he doesn't pull on the leash. There were some thoughts that he had some lameness or something in his hind quarters, but I haven't seen any problems. He was hesitant when getting into the van to bring him home. I actually lifted him into it. Dee managed to get him in today with him stepping up in. I just attributed his hesitation to fear at the time and considering he got in for Dee, that's probably what it was. We have some traffic in and out as I share a driveway and he doesn't even acknowledge it. No barking at all....well, in terms of people. He did bark a few times when he met Bob the cat (who wasn't impressed).

Today while walking he did bark at another dog....both were on leashes. But those are the only incidents of barking. He is being good when it comes to the cat. He listens pretty well when I tell him "no" to leave him alone. He's a little afraid of tile/linoleum floors and bathtubs. He did great in the tub despite his fear though! He's a handsome guy and smells great too!! He's been crated overnights and during the day while I'm at work. He does a great job with that. No complaining and waiting quietly when I get home. Waiting for the ear rubs and back scratches which he loves (OF COURSE!) I haven't had a chance to get pictures yet! When I tried tonight, I couldn't get far enough away from him to take any! He was right next to me all night! I'll get one ASAP! BTW Christopher is a little long. So, since he comes/responds to Chris, that's what I call him.

5-2-06 Update

Hello! I just wanted to give a little update on our gentleman. Chris is doing so well. He is WONDERFUL with my daughters (11 and 14). Chris continues to be wonderful with strangers too. I haven't experienced any barking nor growling when a newcomer approaches. It doesn't matter if we're home or on the street. He does well with everyone. He accepts all of the ear rubbing, neck hugs and chest scratching that anyone can give him! Chris continues to be exposed to new dogs and cats as we visit family and friends. He is always on the leash when we visit. He exhibits the normal new dog thing....I'll sniff you, you sniff me without too much trouble.

He did have a little growling/snarling yesterday with my mom's Golden Retriever (who started it) but it quickly subsided. Mom also has a Yorkie Terrier who I think Chris was having trouble trying to figure out exactly what she is! I don't think he knew if Toto was a dog or cat or maybe even something else! He did a lot of sniffing which she didn't appreciate, but he did not exhibit any aggressive behaviors with her. Chris also visited with my daughters' dog and cat yesterday. He got through the normal dog thing with no problems. The cat apparently doesn't like strange dogs. When Chris tried to approach the cat, the cat hissed and batted his nose. Chris did nothing. We visited for several hours and Chris and their dog were fine. (the cat stayed under the bed).

Chris continues to be fine with my cat, Bob. He gives Bob baths all the time. I don't think Bob likes it too much, but he just sits there until I open the door to go out and he's off like a shot leaving Chris to wonder happened! The ONLY problem they have is when Chris is crated at night and he sees Bob on my bed. He does quite a bit of barking and whining until he scares Bob off the top of the bed to hide underneath it! Once Bob is off the bed, Chris stops his noises. Chris does not bother the cat as long as he is not crated. Chris is a little clingy, right next to me and under my feet when I'm getting ready in the morning. I'm sure by now he knows that I'll be leaving for work and he feels a little anxious. He's a little better when I'm home and not getting ready to go anywhere. He still remains close, but at least I can walk to the other side of the room. He always maintains his line of sight of me, so if I walk out of the room, he follows.

Day by day, Chris is progressing. He's a wonderful dog! Shannon 0:)