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.

We had such a nice day on Saturday! I tried a new training experience- we took a walk a Heritage Park, then relaxed on the benches and watched the world go by...when people would walk by, I distracted Ozzie just a bit, and told him what a GOOD BOY he was with lots of affection and treats when he had a positive reaction. The ONLY people he barked at were 2 people I know who approached-one was in an electric wheelchair, and the other was loud- the combination made him nervous!

And I found a wonderful website- dogsinneedofspace.com ...it explains that dogs like Ozzie are "DINOS", and gave some wonderful tips. I ordered this vest for Ozzie to let folks know that he is shy, and not to come on too strong. I can't wait to use it on our next outing!

Some new pics of Ozzie- first, his new favorite resting place- the top of my recliner! He's taken a liking to hanging out there in the evening, when I'm watching a ball game or reading...I have to say that he's the first dog I've ever had here to claim that spot as his own! And hanging out with his buddies at the Barking Lot, where I bring him for day care once a week. He's got other dogs at my house to play with, but I want to make sure he is exposed to new people and new dogs on a regular basis. He is a homebody, perfectly content in my house and yard, but he needs more positive experiences in new situations to improve his social anxiety.

We're having a nice weekend here, and I've been taking Ozzie out and about- I've really been working hard with him, lots of walks, outings and day care, and it's paying off! He came with me to a new local pet store today, just to look around- and was anxious, but NO BARKS to the girl he met- and after a few minutes of me talking to her, he sniffed her and let her pat him. Then another trip to the fire station- with nothing but friendly greetings- I was so proud of him that I got him a new marrow filled shin bone- his most favorite thing ever! He may always be aloof with strangers, but his social anxiety has really improved so very much!

This just cracks me up! It's Ozzie immediately following a bath- for some reason, being wet seems to precipitate a manic burst of wild energy, tearing thru the house and yard at top speed, over and over and over. Maybe it's his way of drying himself off- I don't know- but it's pretty hilarious! And his best friend Pixie is right behind him, cheering him on....

Ozzie has  new friend! My sister is in town, and came over with my mother this evening- now, this sister is afraid of dogs. She was bitten as a young child and hasn't forgotten about it. She was especially nervous about meeting Ozzie when I told her that he had issues with strangers- but asked her to do the "no talk no touch no eye contact" thing with Ozzie, and to wait until he approached her. As you can see, in no time they were friends! She loved Ozzie, and he was more friendly than I expected with her! It was so nice to see.

What a day! The Friends of Homeless Animals was part of the first super adoption event in RI, with 8 other rescues and shelters and over 150 dogs! I knew that Ozzie wouldn't do well at a large, busy event, but really wanted him to have the chance to see his sister Harriet again, so my husband brought Ozzie by for about an hour. Ozzie gave his sister a friendly hello and sniff as he does with every dog he meets, but didn't show any more interest in her than the other dogs he met. And yes, he did some barking at people, and we were careful to let others know that Ozzie is a shy boy and didn't want to be touched. It is certainly possible for Ozzie to be a part of events like this but it does require extra care- correcting him when he barks at strangers, but mostly correcting strangers when they try to approach him. He's a gorgeous boy so people naturally want to get to know him!

Although Ozzie was a good sport about  coming to a cold New England from Georgia, he is so happy that the warm weather is here! Ozzie loves the great outdoors, running with his friends, exploring the back yard and most of all, going for walks.  I've found that he's a bit critter crazy and will chase squirrels up the tree, and that he's always up for a game of fetch. He doesn't yet get the part where he gives the ball back yet! He'll just run around for a while...and I have another foster, Fed ex, who came this past Sunday- He's arond Ozzie's age, but a little bigger. I was told that Fed ex doesn't do too well with other males but he's made an exception for Ozzie- the two are getting along beautifully!

Ozzie howling

Ozzie cracks me up! My other foster barks like crazy at every random noise he hears- Ozzie can't be bothered to get up and leave his comfy perch on the love seat but he helps make some noise with a little howl...he gets embarrassed when I laugh and kind of slinks away!

Today was a perfect walk day, so we took advantage of it! Ozzie and I took a long walk at Battleship Cove, which was a new venue for Ozzie. As usual, for the first 100 yards or so he barked a few times- but again, as usual, he settled right down, relaxed and seemed so happy. He was even brave enough to say hello in a friendly way to a random guy in a lawn chair! I was so proud of him. After our walk he relaxed with his buddy Salty Dog, my old man. Now, Salty Dog is about 13, a grumpy old man who doesn't like anyone. He even tries to fight with his reflection in a mirror. But Salty Dog likes Ozzie! As uncomfortable as Ozzie is around humans, he loves other dogs and hasn't had a bit of trouble with any mine, or any of the fosters he's met.

Ozzie had his weekly play day at the Barking Lot today, and loves being with his friends there! You can see how much he loves attention and affection from those he trusts- and the staff there all can tell you how much progress he's made. The reason I'm bringing him there weekly is to get him more comfortable out of my home. He loves it here, is the perfect snuggle buddy- but I want him to learn that the world outside is not a scary or threatening place. Building his confidence by creating positive experiences has produced great changes in Ozzie!

Today was a big day for Ozzie- there is a 5K race that we do every year to honor a local police officer who was killed in the line of duty- I walk with a dog or 2, my husband runs with other firefighters. I had debated whether Ozzie was ready for such an event, but I know how comfortable he is with his friend Pixie so I brought him along! We met at the downtown fire station, and Ozzie gave some affection, but also some barks to some of the others gathered there. We walked up the hill to the starting line, and I was careful to keep Ozzie to the side, instead of the middle of the crowd. Yes, he barked little, but was by far and away not the most obnoxious dog there- and as soon as we started walking he relaxed completely! He loved it- a nice long walk on a cool day is just the best. There were people on the side cheering us along, and Ozzie had his head and tail held high, and seemed to enjoy himself so much. I was so glad I brought him!

10 weeks ago I can tell you that I never would have brought Ozzie ANYWHERE where there was any kind of crowd- he's worked hard and changed so much! I can tell you that it takes some extra care to make sure that strangers don't reach out and touch Ozzie, but he can enjoy the same sorts of things that my others do, and I'm so happy for him.

We are having a beautiful weekend and spending as much time outside as possible. We went to my mother's house yesterday- it was Ozzie's fourth trip there- and he ran up the stairs and greeted her with a kiss! Remember, he barked and barked at her on the day he met her for the first time... and today a long walk. I tried a Halti collar, suggested to give more control for anxious dogs or dogs that pull- I'm not sure if it was the collar, walking Ozzie with his best friend Pixie, or just the beautiful weather but I can tell you that Ozzie had a great time! He walked right by my side, with the leash hanging loosely. and It was Blackstone Boulevard, with all the cars, bikes and foot traffic! Yes, he was a bit unnerved at first, but after just about 100 yards settled right down and walked 3 miles with his head held high, looking around- and NO barks at anyone. He loves his walks, and seems so relaxed and happy afterwards!

Another love of Ozzie's is playing with balls- he's not so good at playing fetch cuz he doesn't want to bring the ball back to me! He runs around the yard for a while, then runs into his crate so the others can't take it from him. He'll always give up the ball for a treat, though. Ozzie LOVES to eat and has been very easy to train because he is so food motivated!

We've been taking advantage of the longer days and warmer weather, and spending more time outside- and Ozzie is never far from his friend Pixie. He loves to play, to go for walks and to play fetch. We took a long walk at Slater Park today, over an hour- and NO barks, NO anxiety- he held his head high and had a great time. The more exercise and play time he has the more confidence he seems to feel!

Tomorrow Ozzie will have been with me in foster care for 9 weeks, and will officially be my longest foster dog. I have to say that I'm surprised- when he first came to me, I figured he'd be my typical short timer- 2-3 weeks, then adopted- but with his fear of strangers it's taking a little longer to find the perfect home. I'm wondering if I'm scaring people off by being so open about his issue with meeting people, and I have to say I'm not going to paint an unrealistic picture- introducing him to others takes caution. But I also have to say that other than barking at strangers Ozzie really is the perfect companion! He's so loving and affectionate, and has a silly side when he's playing that I just love. And the progress he is making gets me excited! Another trip to the fire station today- and NO barks at all! Nothing but warm and friendly greetings to everyone he has come to know, and he sat in the SUV with his foster dad looking so handsome and proud.

It was a beautiful day but COLD! Ozzie took another long walk at Slater Park, and made a new friend at the dog park after. He's definitely more comfortable with dogs than people- Ozzie and I have that in common!

Ozzie's feeling a little Irish this weekend! And enjoying a rare sunny day with his friends. The house has been chaotic with lots of work being done, men in and out- and Ozzie's doing surprisingly well with all the commotion. Yes, lots of barks when he meets someone for the first time, but he settles down much more easily than he used to. He is such a loving and affectionate boy, and I'm glad others are able to see that side to him!

Ozzie went to day care yesterday, and spent time in the big dog pen! The staff at the Barking Lot just love him, and he's one of the few dogs that can go play with the small, medium or big dogs- he gets along with everyone! I've been bringing him to day care once a week, to make sure he gets exposed to all sorts of different settings- and each time he goes he becomes more and more comfortable. He greets all of the staff with a friendly hello and no barks! He's calmer and more relaxed just about everywhere we go, and getting close to being the perfect pet!

Ozzie has made so much progress! We went away this past weekend and I was concerned about how Ozzie would interact with my housesitter-I am happy to tell you that there was no trouble whatsoever. He greeted him warmly and was very affectionate and loving. And when we went to my mothers house today he ran right into her apartment and gave her a friendly hello. This is such progress for Ozzie! When he first came he was so very fearful of anyone other than my husband and I. I can see how much more relaxed he is! On the way home we stopped at the Petco in Middletown and I was so happy! Not one bark at anyone, And he allowed to strangers to pat him. I am so much more hopeful now that there will be someone who will see in him the wonderful things that I do and give him a loving forever home. Ozzie is just about perfect in so many ways! His fear of strangers is really his only, only issue but I am becoming so confident that it can be resolved.

Today was a beautiful day- no wind, nice and sunny- so Ozzie and I met a friend and took a long walk at Slater Park. We met at the dog park, and of course Ozzie barked and barked at my friend when he met her. I handed her his leash, she stood calmly so that Ozzie could check her out, and before I knew it Ozzie relaxed enough to take a beautiful walk which he seemed to love! I admit that I haven't walked him nearly enough with the snow and ice but will do so for sure- seeing how happy and self confident he seemed just made my day! Ozzie does need regular, structured exercise- on a treadmill or by taking long walks- to help relieve his anxiety.

I love this picture! Ozzie cuddling with his best friend Pixie. He is such a sweet and loving boy with those he trusts. You might wonder why I don't just adopt Ozzie myself- and believe me, I've thought about it... He's settled in so well here, and is, in many ways an easy dog to be around. The only, only reason I haven't yet adopted Ozzie is that I know we saved him within hours of euthanasia- with his only crime being that he had no home. A beautiful, healthy young boy, sentenced to die because he was unwanted. His life was saved because I had room in my home to foster him, and made a commitment. I think of that every time I look at him, but also think of all the others that died that day because they didn't get a foster commitment. If I do find the loving home for Ozzie that he deserves then I'll be able to save another one. If I didn't look at the big picture, I'd keep Ozzie for myself- but knowing what happens to over 20,000 dogs a day in this country makes me feel like that's not OK!

Ozzie had an eventful weekend! FOHA held an adoption event yesterday at the Petsmart in Warwick, and my husband brought Ozzie by for a short time. Yes, he was anxious... again, he was just fine with people who ignored him- but when someone approached head on with the "Oh what a cute dog" speech, he warns them off with a bark. The classic "no talk no touch no eye contact" is what is needed when meeting Ozzie. And I was thrilled today! I brought Ozzie to the fire station again- his fourth visit, and guess what! No barks, and he allowed some of my husband's friends to give him affection. GREAT progress and it brought smiles to everyone!

One of Ozzie's greatest strengths is how well he gets along with other dogs. Big, small, young, old, playful or sedate, they are all potential friends to Ozzie. In fact, the presence of other dogs seems to bring him confidence- and he hasn't been involved in anything that's even resembled a fight since he's been with me! One "must" for Ozzie in a potential new home will be the opportunity for playtime and companionship from a furry friend!