Introducing Bixby Foster Doodle

Since I've been enjoying reading about the new fosters (Toby and Coco), I thought I would introduce y'all to Bixby, my new foster. Bixby (formerly Motley) was pulled out of a shelter in Athens, TN (thanks Melanie F!). He had been turned in as a stray and that's pretty much all we know about him. Here are the indignities suffered by this sweet boy last Wednesday...he was neutered (not a great start to any boy dog's day), picked up by a stranger and driven 2.5 hours, handed off to yet another stranger (me), given an intensive bathing (poor boy was unbelievably stinky, filthy and had fleas and ticks...not bathing him wasn't an option), brushing, towel drying, and had 17+ ticks tweezed out of him. Then came the worst part...the STAIRS. It would seem that sweet Bixby had never walked down a flight of stairs before and he wasn't about try it when he'd already had such a yuck day.

Over the past couple of days we worked out the stairs issue (he goes up and down like a champ now) and his fear of walking through exterior doors (obviously these were not deeply ingrained fears because chicken, hot dogs, and a little patience got him through it).

I had my vet give him a good going over...he has a couple of problems, typical for a stray who was living outside (whip worms, tick sores, an ear infection, etc) and needs to gain 6-10 lbs (he has a kind of rough coat that doesn't mat, so he didn't need to be shaved down so he doesn't look as skinny as he is. He's all ribs when you pet him)

Bixby is one of the sweetest doods you'll ever meet (and he has an INCREDIBLE doodle nose!). He loves people and loves dogs. He has an AMAZING appetite for snuggling. I'm so excited for whoever (whomever?) is lucky enough to keep Bixby forever!

And yes, I'm a bit love with him (I dare you to look at that nose and not fall at least a little in love), but no...I'm not keeping him. His perfect family is just waiting for him!

Bixby sleeping on his favorite toy:

Bixby's gorgeous doodle nose (and Callie's sweet face right behind him):

Bixby Says...it's hot out here!!!

Isn't he handsome??

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on July 27, 2010 at 2:30pm

LOL- I think Frannie was afraid of scaring off potential fosters with some of those details! I know I couldn't do what she does, and I don't work, plus I have a fenced yard.
Frannie is one in a million!

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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on July 27, 2010 at 2:35pm

You are probably right Karen. Didn't scare me off though. I will be able to one day!

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Permalink Reply by Frannie & Callie on July 28, 2010 at 9:22am

I did leave some stuff out on my DK posting. It wasn't so much to sugar coat fostering (because I'd be very honest with anyone interested in becoming a foster) but because I felt like I was complaining and making the information more about me when it really needs to be about sweet Bixby (who gets cuter and more affectionate by the day!). That said, there will always be details that I leave out because the first couple of days can be rough on a dog in a new situation and I don't want people's memories to only be filled with something that seems "bad". Generally the first couple of days are sketchy from a bathroom control standpoint, and then once the dog gets comfy and feels confident, they can be kinda naughty and test limits. Example - Bixby has discovered the counters. Optimal? Of course not but wonderfully normal doodle behavior

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on July 28, 2010 at 9:40am

Frannie, everything you do is perfect! I was really just joking, everyone knows you are always honest about the challenges of fostering. And we would never think you were complaining!

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Permalink Reply by Natasha on July 27, 2010 at 4:20pm

How adorable. By the look of his teeth, he seems pretty young. Any idea how old he is?

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Permalink Reply by Frannie & Callie on July 28, 2010 at 9:32am

somewhere between 1 and 2.

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Permalink Reply by Jacquie Yorke (DRC) on July 28, 2010 at 9:36am

Bixby is officially on Petfinder!

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17010423

Yes Karen I already corrected the typos....lol...it just takes a little while for PF to update so don't worry.....

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on July 28, 2010 at 9:45am

I love his listing, it's perfect! I don't see any typos!
Wow, in that shelter photo, he looks so much like Jack did when i first saw him! Same nose, too!