Ozzie has been adopted! Here's a pic of Ozzie with his new mama- he went to his forever home today and I couldn't be happier. But I miss him! He's been a part of my home for over 5 months, and has made so much progress.  I really grew to love him! I hope to walk with Ozzie and his new mama, and and he will always hold a place in my heart. Mazel Tov, sweet Ozzie!

We've had such a nice weekend her, and I'm enjoying every moment I can with Ozzie! We've ad a few walks, a trip out for ice cream, and a visit to say good bye to my mother. Yes, there are some barks on the walks, but much fewer, and much less intense- and the way he showers my mother with affection really shows me how much progress he's made! I will miss him- he's become part of the family- but feel so happy that he has a home with a person who I would have hand picked- but what's great is that SHE hand picked Ozzie! He's taught me so much, and come so far....I know the tears will flow tomorrow!

I am going to spend every moment I can this weekend with Ozzie because OZZIE HAS FOUND A HOME!!!!! I am so happy to tell you that I've been communicating with a wonderful woman with the perfect combination of dog experience, holistic beliefs, a stable life and calm energy has decided to adopt him....after spending some time with him the past week she fell as in love with Ozzie as I am. Finally, someone who understands his anxiety, and is committed not just to keeping him safe but to furthering his rehabilitation. I am so happy, but can tell you that I will miss this boy so much. He'll be going to his new home on Monday!

Great news for Ozzie! He has an application for adoption from EXACTLY the sort of adopter I had hoped for- a calm, dog experienced family with 2 beautiful, friendly and balanced dogs. We met them last night, and, as usual, Ozzie was all barks at the outset- but warmed up quickly to to all but the husband. AND they are interested in giving Ozzie a home even after seeing his less than friendly greeting. We are moving slowly- Ozzie's spending some time the day after tomorrow with his mama, then a few ays there next week...I am hopeful and for the first time feel like I've met someone I would trust to give this boy a home were he will get what he needs!

Doesn't Ozzie look like he's smiling? He always smiles when we walk- especially when we stop for ice cream! It's a perfect, gorgeous day here, and I figured a stop for ice cream would be just the thing- we sat at a bench and watched the world go by, and Ozzie was calm and happy- until a strange man approached to talk- then he barked like crazy! He's absolutely fine when he's ignored- the trigger for his anxiety is attention from a stranger. And Ozzie has even more to smile about because he's meeting a family the day after tomorrow! I got a call from a woman who is seriously interested in giving Ozzie a home, and we're meeting after work on Monday. This is exactly the situation I  had hoped for, with two friendly female dogs, and a dog experienced mama. Paws crossed for Ozzie!

Ozzie learned to swim today! I wanted to take him for a nice long walk in his new vest, and brought him and his buddy Salty Dog to the Heritage State Park- he did really, really well on his walk with NO barks at all- and was brave enough to take a dip! You can see that he was tentative at first, but finally followed Salty Dog in- then seemed a little surprised at what he had accomplished. I have no idea what exactly his background is, other than he was dumped at a shelter 12/12- but would bet that he had never been swimming before. A whole new world- new life, really- for Ozzie!

I love this pic! Ozzie with one of his buddies at the Barking Lot...He loves smaller dogs and they love him! He's not as comfortable with big dogs- not at all aggressive, just not as playful and relaxed. I have a new foster, an elderly pomeranian- about 6 lbs and frail, and Ozzie has been so gentle with him.