Valen continues to thrive in our rehab program. Most exciting, it is as if he has realized that he is two years old, with the confidence for a two year old's enthusiasm and energy for life. He has become exuberant, goofy, and so lovey-dovey sweet. He loves running, jumping and playing--much like any adolescent SPoo should--and has been wholeheartedly embracing "zoomies." Quickly moving children still make him back away, but he is eager to take a treat from any patient child. His propensity to mark is definitely decreasing and he has become a "Sit" pro. There are moments we still see shadows of the old, fearful "Buster" but they are few and far between. He is still mildly touch sensitive on the back end and legs but has fallen in love with having his chin rubbed. Though still cautious when trying very new things, he has an adventurer's spirit when guided. | Having met or exceeded each goal in his rehabilitation program... Valen is ready for adoption! To know more about this truly remarkable boy, please read through his blog posts. Valen's adoption fee is $450 with a $50 rebate offered after the completion of two training classes of your choice. Call 563-581-1821 or email [email protected] with any specific questions. Valen's foster mom wrote the following, beautiful letter to his potential adopting family: Dear Valen’s new family: Thank you for welcoming this wonderful boy into your home. Please be patient with him, as this will all be new to him. He learns VERY quickly, and best of all is eager to learn and please. Valen is wonderful with other dogs, large and small, but should not be allowed around cats, due to his prey drive. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to squirrels and chipmunks. Valen is reliably house broken, although he may try to ‘mark’ a time or two until he feels comfortable in his space. This is easily corrected with a verbal command if he starts to lift his leg. He loves to be stroked under his chin or behind his ears. He is highly food motivated, and will sit for treats on command. He enjoys the routine in the evening, when he gets a single piece of popcorn or chip from his foster dad. He is fond of cheese, or peanut butter, and gets a piece of cheese or a small piece of bread with Peanut butter at night when I am making lunches for the next day. Hopefully he will be allowed on the furniture. He likes to get up on the sofa and lay next to me, and is beginning to ‘snuggle’, much to the dismay of his foster poodle brother and sister. Now that he has discovered toys, they have become a delight to him. He is rather rough on stuffed animals but is getting better about NOT de-stuffing them. He will gleefully play a game of ‘can’t catch ME’ if he finds a sock on the floor, but doesn’t damage the sock. He has two ‘toys’ that are his absolute favorite. A Moose antler, that will come with him, and my crocs shoes! I don’t know why he likes those old things so much, but I can usually tell he has them by the ‘squeak’ of his teeth, but has not done any damage to them. He is currently eating Diamond Naturals Lamb and Rice, which is grain free, or Merrick’s lamb, also grain free. I haven’t tried him on Chicken or Beef since one of my own poodles is allergic to chicken and the other to beef. He WILL go from bowl to bowl and ‘help’ any other dogs finish their food, but is NOT food aggressive. He knows the word “Kennel” and once he is convinced you really mean it, will go readily in on his own. If there is a new food or treat that he has never had before, it is best to put it on the floor in front of him and let him take it at his leisure. The next time he WILL take it from your hand. He will be unsure of new things the first time, but after that he is fine. Example: A ceiling fan spooked him the first time it was on, but the second time he just looked up at it and then ignored it. He is used to canes, walkers and wheelchairs, both power and manual, so if grandma comes to visit these won’t scare him. He loves to run in the yard, usually with a stick he has found, and walks well on a leash. He is not interested in chasing a ball so far. He also is not a barker, which your neighbors will appreciate. You are getting a truly amazing family member, and I hope you have many wonder filled years together. Sincerely, Foster Mom |