Emma's Rescue Journey

16/09/2020

If you followed Emma’s journey, would you consider voting for her? RESCUEDohio is doing a fundraiser and all you have to do is vote for Emma to be the profile pic. 100% of your donation goes to saving more dogs. Read that again, 100%! That’s right! Every penny will help save dogs! If you can’t donate, please share!!

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25/08/2020

Emma's Rescue Journey: The Final Chapter

Emma's pups are all settling into their new homes. They are doing well and I get fantastic updates multiple times a week! My heart is full. But we know that puppies getting their home is just part of the job when you care for a litter. Mama needs a home as well.
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Emma is a very special girl with a huge heart. She has the sweetest soul ever. She loves fiercely and it's impossible not to love her back. She has the cutest face, blockiest head, and loves to snuggle as much as I do. I thought she was going to stay here forever. I really did. I never let my heart go there - you can't when you foster as many dogs as we do. I couldn't help it.
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However, as her hormones changed, her needs changed. She could not thrive in my home with a grumpy old man and 2 senior girls. They weren't enjoying their normal quiet time and I think she was probably frustrated too. I worked with a trainer who agreed that my Sam was very unhappy. He is my priority and that's okay.
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I cried and I cried when I made the decision. It completely and totally sucked! But guess what?? I found Emma the PERFECT home with a mom who adores her and can meet all her needs. She is already so loved. I am SO happy for her and my dogs are so happy to have their space back. I didn't even cry when I dropped her off!!
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I am 1000% sure she is exactly where she needs to be. I thought she came into my life because she was meant to be mine. Turns out the universe had other plans. She was meant to be mine for a short time, but she is meant to be with her Mommy, Kathy forever.
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So while her Rescue Journey is over, her Happily Ever After is just beginning :)

31/07/2020

Soaking up my last days with Juni!
Kind of fun having just one puppy to focus on! Especially one that is this amazing!!

28/07/2020

Well Emma's pups are all adopted! Juni is still with me but leaves in a week! I'm getting the best updates from every single adopter! They are all smitten with their babies! I'm enjoying extra sleep and WAY less laundry😀. I miss the little boogers, but they were ready!
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Fostering has changed me in so many ways - some of which are surprising. I became vegan after fostering my first litter of puppies. There is no way I wanted anything to do with being any part of a mom being separated from her babies. I wouldn't want it for a dog, why would I be okay with it for a cow? There is no way I could want anything to do with an animal dying for me. No thank you. I'm an animal lover, not just a dog lover. I'm not here to judge you. I spent decades eating animals and animal products. It honestly felt like I had that litter of puppies and everything was being filtered through a new lens. I want nothing to do with harming any living being and my diet choice is one that gives me peace.
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I also think that fostering has allowed me to love more deeply. There has been so much love in this home over the past years that it is painful. Does that make sense? 😀. Not sure how to describe it. I think the more you love, the more capable you are of loving deeply.
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The puppies are fun and so rewarding, but the broken ones have helped me grow into a better human. Do you know how many times I have looked into the eyes of a skinny, beaten down dog with no expectations only to be completely floored by the love and trust I am given in return? It makes me believe if this poor soul can stay so positive and hopeful, surely I can too! I always say, I wish my heart was more like my dogs.
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I am only posting these things to show you a glimpse of finding something that gives you purpose. I'm no saint. TRUST ME! I get super frustrated when dogs eat my couch or p*e on my rugs - don't get me wrong. Sometimes I have to walk next door with my glass of wine for a break. But I found something I love and I hope anyone reading this finds something equally as awesome!

24/07/2020

How do you let them go? I would keep them all.
I could never give them up. 🤷‍♀️

Simple.

Is it hard to let them go? Sure. But it's also awesome. I get to be their first love🥰, I give them their first hug, I get to comfort them, I get to do all the things to set them up for success. I even get to watch them grow up (sorry adopters, you won't be getting rid of me anytime soon🤪).

5 puppies have left the only home they have ever known to be with their forever families. All 7 are adopted. Holly will leave tomorrow and Juni will leave next week. I'm enjoying the quieter times with just 2 tonight 😄.

All the families have been wonderful and so very excited to take their new baby home. This morning, they were my first thought. I desperately tried to wait an appropriate amount of time for an update, but only made it a couple of hours before checking in. Every puppy had a great night. They slept, they cuddled, they were content. I got so many awesome thank you messages this morning from families with well adjusted, happy, loved puppies. There are very few things in my life I have done that are as rewarding as that.
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My work here is done. Well, for this litter :) 😍
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That's how I let them go.
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Until there are no more homeless dogs. I won't stop trying.

18/07/2020

I am really trying to enjoy the last days I have with these babies. In about a week they will be leaving me and going to their forever homes. It is easy to get caught up in the cleaning and the laundry only to miss the beauty of this time.

So, I sit on the deck and I watch them – a quiet observer tonight.

Emma is playing with all 7 and they are running wild. I look and I smile. I wish I had my phone to capture the moment, but also grateful I don’t so I’m not distracted.

They all have their own sweet personalities. Ash is getting so muscular. You can already see the definition in his chest. He’s a big old softie and loves to be hugged. Oak is the life of the party. Always the last to fall asleep but can also be a bit more cautious than you would expect. He was the last one daring enough to climb the stairs. Whining the whole time until he could muster the courage. Maggie is thoughtful and confidant. She isn’t a loner but doesn’t mind exploring the world on her own. Her eyes melt me. Olive is my little risk taker. She loves to climb, and I have to be careful to watch her or she will try and jump right of the back of the couch. Despite that, she is laid back and easy-going. Juni is so little and funny. She loves to play but will often wander off for a nap. She is spunky and silly and makes me laugh. She is so cute I want to hold her all the time. Willow is a great mix of playful and chill. She will often play hard, but also has no problem sitting in my lap and watching the action. Miss Holly is just beautiful and looks so much like her mom. Her eyes make me believe she is wise beyond her years.

I sit there and I am so happy that I feel a few tears run down my cheek. How many people look for purpose and passion their whole lives never to find it? I am so lucky.

12/07/2020

Morning play with mom! Seems Emma didn’t like the newborn stage, but enjoying her toddlers 🤷🏻‍♀️. Practically no clean up this morning and I practically cried real tears of joy 😂 . Sitting outside trying to enjoy these moments Instead of worry about who is p**ping on the rug or eating my flip flop.

12/07/2020

They are 6 weeks old today!!! They are super adorable and really smart! They are soooo good about p**ping on their grass mat at night - thank goodness. They love cuddling (as do all the litters I’ve raised 😂), playing with cardboard boxes, plush toys, my dogs, and all people. I am working really hard getting them exposed to everything within reason - tons of people and kids, walks in strollers, car rides, noises, rain...
I love them 😍 and thank goodness bc sh*t’s about to get super difficult!! They are now BIG and needy and p**p giant p**ps and don’t sleep as much 😂. With every litter I forget how hard the last 2 weeks are 😂😬😳!

09/07/2020

So many great exposures today!!
2 sets of visitors!
Listened to cars and trucks!
Played in a sprinkler and hopefully learned to like wet grass! (You’re welcome adopters 😂!
Played with paper towel rolls and water bottle and Loved the noises associated!
Pretty in love with them ❤️❤️❤️
Also they are eating sooooo much! Thank you for donations!

08/07/2020

This week is Puppy Week at RESCUEDohio! Check out our puppy educational series!

06/07/2020

Too much cuteness!! Took the day off to enjoy these babies!

05/07/2020

If this doesn’t make you smile, you have issues 😂😂😂❤️. See if you can count all 7 ! Also, this crate stays open at all times. It allows pups to go in on their own and learn to enjoy crate time. When one pup goes in and lays down, I shut the door behind her for a bit to get puppy used to crating! Didn’t do this in the past, but I’m hoping these babies love the crate when they go to their new homes!
Also, all pups slept through very, very loud fireworks last night. Hopefully they will never fear them 🤞!

05/07/2020

We love to play!!
5 weeks old! All healthy, happy and well adjusted!

04/07/2020

Happy 4th weekend!

28/06/2020

Went on adventure today! Got to explore grass, mulch, concrete, other dogs, noises...
They loved every minute and then fell asleep ❤️

28/06/2020

This week consisted of starting lots of socializing! Had people over, introduced textures, objects, noises! They are even learning to potty on their grass mat. My job is making sure I give them every tool to be well adjusted, confident, happy adults.
They turned 4 weeks today! This is my favorite age 😍🥰❤️!

25/06/2020

Puppy pile!!

21/06/2020

3 weeks old and cute as ever!!

20/06/2020

My 4 year old nephew on Emma ❤️😭! Seems he’s as smitten as we are.

20/06/2020

Full bellies ❤️
3 weeks old tomorrow! 3-5 weeks is my favorite. Personalities start coming out and they interact with each other and people.
This also starts the window of critical socialization so i have my work cut out for me!

17/06/2020

Just a little Tuesday night cuteness ❤️❤️❤️❤️
They are perfect! Seriously, so dang cute! Starting to walk and I saw one acknowledge the other today! They are going to be real puppies very soon.

15/06/2020

Who can believe these faces!! Say hi to Holly and Maggie! I promise to share the rest of them this week!

13/06/2020

The Sometimes Ugly Truth:
You know when you look at everyone's social media posts and you feel annoyed because it seems like you are the only one without your hair done or your house clean or your dinner plated perfectly? 😫😳🙄
I have a confession.
I have been posting only the beautiful parts of Emma's rescue journey the last 2 weeks. Truth is, this has been a really, really hard litter.
Last night I finally broke down and cried. Sobbed more like it.
I was tired.
Tired of the p**p, the p*e, the blood.
Emma is a really good girl, but she is a really crappy mom. I have to set my watch timer to make sure she feeds them every 3 hours. She won't clean them so I also change their bedding every 3 hours (overnight too). It's a super good time 😳😡.

Normally the first 2 weeks of a litter really are beautiful and blissful and require very little work. Not so much this time.
I didn't want to share this because I feel guilty. I don't want anyone to think I'm complaining and I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I love these puppies and I am so grateful they are healthy and growing. They are so darn cute, but I'm freaking tired! I also didn't want to share this because I don't want anyone to be discouraged from fostering a pregnant dog. Even as hard as this is. I will do it again. It is still worth it.
So here is a real picture of the ugly truth. Oh, and it constantly smells like p**p/urine in case you are wondering 😂😆

12/06/2020

All they do is eat, sleep, and p**p.
This is what we’ve got going on! Everyone is growing and eyes are open on Willow and Olive!!
Emma continues to need encouragement to feed them as she would rather hang with her people. However she is forgiven bc she’s so sweet. I did cut their tiny little nails today to see if that would help encourage her to nurse.
This week I’m getting their transition play area ready. In about a week they will he walking and interacting like real puppies 😍❤️.

08/06/2020

Keeping Them Clean:
Emma is the 5th mama dog I've fostered. Had you asked me 2 weeks ago about the first 2-3 weeks of fostering a new litter, I'd have said something like "Oh it's so easy- the mom does all the work! She cleans their p*e/poo, she feeds thems, she tends to them! All you have to do is feed her." That was before I met Emma 😂😂😂!
Let me start by saying, I LOVE Emma. She is one of the most gentle, sweet, wonderful dogs I've fostered. However, she is not the most maternal dog I know. I essentially have to encourage her to feed them with gifts of peanut butter and massages 🙄. She is now refusing to clean them up. I actually caught her licking one of them yesterday and she stuck out her tongue and made a face 😭🤦🏻‍♀️. Sooooo, that means I am wiping them with unscented baby wipes 8,000 times a day and now changing bedding twice a day.
The thing is, it's still worth it. These puppies are amazing already. As I was cleaning out Emma's whelping pen, I placed puppies on a pad and she decided to feed them. I didn't dare move her as she did this willingly. This video is a glimpse of that. Sound on for puppy noises. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I dare you not to be moved.

07/06/2020

Emma on Motherhood:
Emma is not always excited to feed those chunky babies that want to cling to her all day long! Sometimes I find her hiding from her responsibilities.
Although I sometimes need to encourage her with a massage, peanut butter, or extra cuddles, she does a great job feeding her babies. They are officially one week old today and all have more than doubled their birth weight! Lots of pudgy, round bellies!
What can you expect this week? Eyes opening!! It usually starts with tiny little open slits on one or two puppies and then continues throughout the whole litter. Can't wait!

05/06/2020

Sweet Emma:
This sweet girl loves to get pets and attention ALL the time! Including while she nurses her babies. Tomorrow they will be a week old already!! They are close to double their birthweight and all growing daily. Emma is very gentle with them, which is great. Some moms will accidentally step on and sit on puppies, but she is quite careful not to do this. She is protective of them - wants to know what on earth I'm doing when I pick them up - but also fine with letting others watch her nurse them. She's an amazingly sweet soul and I hope her puppies grow up to be just like her :)
Can't wait till they open their little eyes. Stay tuned for that!

05/06/2020

The responsibility begins:
Emmas puppies are just 5 days old. Part of my responsibility as their foster is making sure their physical needs are met. For example, keeping them warm (heat lamp for 2 weeks) and clean (I change their bedding every morning), keeping them fed (I weigh them every night to make sure they are eating enough).
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However, did you know that you can impact their little brains postively at this age too? Of course I handle them everday, but I also do some “exercises” that are recommended as part of a protocol called “Puppy Culture”. We start that at only 3 days old! While I cannot control genetics, I can control environment! I will give them every tool I can to be happy and well adjusted adults! I love them so much!
Ask me more!

03/06/2020

Emma’s perfect “Trees”. Can’t wait to watch them grow! Juni and Holly are mini Emmas❤️.

01/06/2020

Witnessing a Miracle:

Ahhhh. This is magic. I cannot even begin to describe how much I love this. These tiny lives with their new mama. It is truly something I am so lucky to witness, and I will forever describe these moments as witnessing tiny miracles.

It’s the oddest thing. I swear my own body chemistry changes. I become this sappy, emotional cry baby. Those that know me know that’s really not me. When these babies enter my world, it’s like mama’s estrogen raises my own. Not sure I know how to describe it. Maybe it’s the just being surrounded by intense, heart wrenching beauty or maybe it’s the overwhelming feeling of responsibility. I wonder if there are any studies on this topic? 🤓😂

Emma had a rough start. Wasn’t quite sure what to do with her babes at first, but she is warming up and becoming a wonderful mom and I am so lucky to play a role in her journey.

31/05/2020

Emma has little babies and everyone is doing great!!

31/05/2020

Puppies are here! Stay tuned for a gender reveal! In the meantime let’s hear your guesses! How many boys and how many girls do you think she had?

30/05/2020

And we are getting ready! Emma is panting, digging, had some vomiting and soft stool. Temp down to 99. Hoping today is the day!

29/05/2020

When to expect the puppies:
Shown is a picture of the last mama dog I fostered, Gracie. She’s a sweet lab mix and was a great mama to her 6 babies! A few ways to predict when a dog will have pups include how calcified skeletons are on X-ray, ability to express milk (usually means less than a week from delivery), and temperature drop. Right before delivery you often see panting, pacing, shivering, digging, whining, poor appetite, and even diarrhea or vomiting. Gracie gave me nothing!! She slept soundly in her crate next to me all night. I got up to make coffee and hear “holy $&@! There’s a puppy in our bed”. Yep, no warning AT all. Temp was even normal the day before 😳. Hoping Emma gives me some signs!! 🤣🤣🤣

28/05/2020

The waiting game:
Emma continues to make herself at home 😀!
I am quite certain we have less than a week to go until those pups make their appearance. She is resting a lot, but still seems comfortable. Unfortunately there is no magical way of knowing what day to expect them. I am fortunate to be working from home right now. In the past I have used family to check in and/or cameras set up on the dog to monitor while away. Luckily, I don't need to do that b/c one of us is always home. Keeping close tabs on her for now! We are hopeful for an easy and uneventful labor/delivery 🙏