Dec 15, 2009

Dear Santa


I got to meet this big hairy guy in a funny red suit, that humans call Santa. I was told you tell him everything you want and he will bring it to you, if, you're good. Well, I'm good and I don't know if it's suppose to be a secret, but I asked Santa for a forever family that will love me and play with me and let me love them back with lots of couch sharing and wet kisses. I sure hope Santa can pull this off. Paws crossed.

Nov 19, 2009

Dog Parks Are Fun

This evening started off great! We went on a play date and I got to run around with a lab that was about twice my size! It was a great time. First all of us dogs played chase and then we played fetch for a while. I didn't ever want to give the ball back though, except when I got a treat of course. I also was learning that I'm not supposed to jump up, even when I'm really excited. Eventually it started to rain and so we had to head home early. My foster mom thought I was too dirty from all the playing so I had to take a bath. Oh man, I did not like that. I hopped out of the tub twice and got my foster mom all wet! Then after the bath I was so cold! My foster mom gave me a blanket to help me warm up and let me snuggle on her lap.I gave her lots of kisses. Then at the end of the night I got a peanut butter stuffed kong. My favorite!

Nov 18, 2009

First Public Appearance

I got to make my first public appearance today and it was soooooo much fun. This is my foster mom's observation of the trip.

"Today Winberie had his first trip to PetSmart. At first he was a little apprehensive- he wasn't quite sure where I had taken him. But soon he came to appreciate PetSmart as a place of magical doggie goodness! There were toys and food everywhere in sight. Plus there were lots of doggies and people to meet. Win got kisses from a little yorkie and a treat from a little girl. He even sat for his treat! Webfetti.com
Everyone was commenting on what a handsome little guy he is! We left with the most durable squeaky toy in the store, a box of treats, and a new gentle leader. Although durable squeaky toys are not quite as fun as those that can be de-stuffed and demolished in a matter of minutes, Win still liked his new toy quite a bit. We also went for a walk with the new easy walk harness and what a difference! Great end to the day!"

Nov 16, 2009

Who I Am. How I Got Here. Where I'm Going Next.




Winberie's journey to us involved the help of many caring volunteers and good Samaritans as well as the help of a dedicated rescue group. Win was left abandoned after his family moved. They left him outside to starve and die. After about three weeks a kind neighbor took concern of the dog who was growing thinner and thinner. Once she realized the situation- his family had left him- she posted his story on Craigs list. Another kind dog-lover happened upon that post and realized the danger of listing a free pet. She picked up Winberie and started nourishing him back to health while looking for a rescue group to sponsor him. Illinois Bird Dog rescue offered to pay for his veterinary care as long as a foster home could be found- and that's where we come in. But we live in Michigan- a far journey from Oklahoma. A transport was coordinated and Win was flown by several planes to his new temporary home here in MI. Unfortunately Win is still looking for help- although he is a wonderful dog he is not good with the two resident cats at the foster home. It is a very unfortunate situation for this poor little guy. He's still hoping for a forever family, but for the meantime, he'd settle for a new foster home that doesn't have cats to distract him.


Win is probably a pointer mix- he's too small to be a purebred, but he looks just like a mini-pointer to me. He's about a year old and therefore is probably full grown. His back is only knee-high and I think he weighs about 35-40lbs. Despite his small stature Win is an athletic little guy. It's too cold to see if he likes the water, but if he does I think he would really excel at Dock Jumping. He'd also probably do well at fly ball. Winberie is mostly housebroken and has great potty habits- he wastes no time when you take him outside. He is crate trained and does not whine or bark in the crate at night. He is good with older children and with dogs of all sizes. He is working on not jumping up when excited. He likes to chew, but prefers toys if they are available. He mostly just loves to be near you though. He'll lay in the kitchen while you cook and he wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap at night. Overall he's more interested in toys and people than other dogs, but he's friendly to all.


Pilot Rhonda was just one of the kind pilots to help me to safety.


Now I get to play with another doggie.

More about me.

What's his favorite snack? Win doesn't discriminate when it comes to food, but he really loves peanut butter kongs.

What's the first stuffy he de-stuffed? It was a pink octopus. It had a squeaker in it and he's a sucker for those. I think he'd demolish the hide-a-squirrel if we let him!

What is his worst bad habit? Chasing cats and jumping up.

What is his favorite game? Probably fetch. He's really fast and athletic and chases anything that moves. He's still working on dropping the ball though. On second thought devouring a bowl of food in the fastest time possible might be his favorite game :)

What is his favorite "scratch me" spot? He falls asleep standing up when I stroke his head/ears.

Does he know any tricks/commands? He has pretty good recall and is also pretty good with sit. His best trick though is standing on his back feet. He's got amazing balance!

Where does he like to sleep? He'd prefer to sleep in your lap, but he does well in the crate.

Does he like other dogs? He gets along with both big and small dogs, but overall I'd say he's more people and toy focused. My dog wants to play play play and Win just wants to lay down with a bone some times.

Whats is favorite toy? Win likes anything with a squeaker in it, but he needs something more durable! He's got some powerful jaws! I think puzzle toys would be great for him. I got him a tug-a-jug and he just loved it.He'd never pass up a good bone or stuffed kong though!