Sometimes things just don't work out

This morning I tried to walk Java and Genny together and as soon as I put Genny on the ground, she and Java went at it. It was scary and horrible. I tried to separate them, but my hold on their leashes wasn't close enough. I tried with my foot and they went around me. I finally picked up Genny, who had Java in her mouth, only to have Genny drop Java, who fell onto her back. It was terrible. In my horror, I called the foster coordinator who said she'd take her for me. I feel like such a failure, even though it's a dog thing and not something I did. This was destined to be the outcome at any rate, she was not a dog I was planning on keeping, so I have to tell myself that it's not my fault and maybe I'll feel better if next time I have a success.

First photos

She's here

I'm very bad because I don't have a picture yet. It's yucky outside so I didn't want to take it there, and any one I take inside is going to stink because of the flash. She's adorable. Very tiny. Java is more stocky than she is and I consider Java to be petite. I fed her and she ate; she did all her business outside. She could use a bath. I've heard her sneeze a couple of times so I don't want to bathe her while it's cold out, in case she's got kennel cough. She's curious - she broke into the living room where Java was lying in her crate. Needless to say there was barking involved on both parts.

It was really emotional seeing the transport truck and knowing that the dogs are going from bad situations into hopefully good ones. A second chance at a good life. I wish all dogs were so lucky.

One of my favorite websites is world prayers. I found this prayer and I love it:

Dear God, protect and bless all living beings.

Keep them from evil and let them sleep in peace.

reverence for life - dr. albert schweitzer - 1964

Today's the day. I'm a little nervous. The truck doesn't arrive until 2:30 or 3:00, so that gives me time. It's pouring out. It looks like dusk instead of first thing in the morning. Days like this make me want to stay in bed. Maybe I'll bring Java up for some cuddle time before Ste. Genevieve gets here. I hope Gen doesn't hate the rain as much as Java does. But knowing that she's a Boston, I'm sure that she does. I'll bring an umbrella. I keep thinking of her and what it must be like on that truck with so many other dogs, stopping here and there and some dogs get out and don't get back on. She must be scared. I wish we could communicate with dogs so that they'd understand. My plan is to keep Gen upstairs in the guest room, where it's quiet for a day or so before introducing her to Java. I'd like SG to get used to being here a little before she has the run of the house. And I don't even know how I can introduce them when it's just me here? Especially on neutral territory. I just don't know physically how it can be done if you don't want them to meet on Java's ground - how do I get them both to neutral territory without them encountering one another? It's a conundrum.

Change of Plans

Thanks to Tropical Storm Danny, no one is going to the lake this weekend, so neither am I. That way, I can go pick up Ste. Genevieve myself and not have to have another volunteer get her and keep her overnight. That way it's a little less disruptive to the dog.

I looked up Ste. Genevieve and she's the patron saint of Paris. When Attila the Hun was going to attack Paris, causing the locals to flee, Ste. Genevieve convinced them to fast and pray to try to avert the attack. It must have worked because Attila changed course and did not attack Paris. The building Le Panthéon in Paris is consecrated to her.

Ste. Genevieve

We're getting our first foster dog on Sunday. Her name is Ste. Genevieve, she's 8 or so years old and weighs around 18 lbs. Originally I wanted to wait until September to foster, but there's a truckload of dogs coming from down south and there aren't enough foster families for them all. How could I say no?

My idea is to keep somewhat of a diary about Genny (I can't call her Sainte) for her adoptive parents, with photos and tales of her exploits. I wondered if I should blog about her here or if I should create a separate blog. I settled on doing it here, because I fear letting this blog fade into oblivion if I start another one, so I'll talk about her here.

I knew I would end up taking a dog earlier than I had planned. The reason I planned on waiting is that I am going to the lake this weekend while Robert is at a blacksmithing class in Maine. I'm still going, but I will cut it short to go pick her up. Nancy, another volunteer, is picking Genny up in Nashua on Saturday and keeping her until Sunday, when I can pick her up. Another reason I had wanted to wait until September is we have plans to go to Snow Farm in September and will be boarding Java. I can either board Gen at my own expense or find someone to take her for the weekend. We'll see what happens.