Shadow and Sadie

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on Shadow and Sadie and their new family.  The good news is that their new family is totally and completely in love with them.  The transition has been hard on Shadow and Sadie but they are starting to settle in.   They are very much attached to each other and were totally inseparable the first few days.  Sadie did escape underneath the fence into the yard next door where the neighbor was out playing with her dog.  This resulted in the need to install a new fence which was not an expense they anticipated.  However, they stepped right up and took care of it when that is what the fence company felt was needed to contained Sadie Houdini!  They have just this last week started sleeping in Rick's room on the floor beside his bed.  Prior to that they were sleeping in the kitchen by the back door.  I'm guessing they probably felt like they should be outside.  The potty issue has been pretty much non existent.  I think maybe one inside accident is all there has been.  They have however had to learn to navigate indoors around furniture and things like that.  They have not had to do that in the past, so they have been a little clumsy in the house but are starting to do better.  They have been trying to get Shadow as much exercise as possible and have indicated they think that he is sounding like he is breathing a lot quieter.  They now have lots of new toys and are eating good food (Fromm I believe).  Sadie sounds like she is the little brat of the crew in that she is very jealous of Shadow having any of the toys or getting petted.  Apparently she takes his toys away and bumps her way in between you if you are petting him.  He it seems doesn't really care when she does it except for his new dinosaur.  Apparently that is his and Sadie doesn't get it.  He apparently carries it with him when he goes outside as well.  Picture 137 lbs of doodle with a dinosaur hanging out of his mouth!  It is apparently very comical.  Aunt Kathy I think has a little bit of a soft spot for Mr. Shadow, but loves them both equally.  She has started what she calls the doodle sandwich when she goes over by getting down on the floor between them for some belly rubs.  They love football days with Dad has the guys over for the game and they get even more attention.  They are going to be starting them on gentle leaders to try and help with the walking.  They are both very strong and although they settle on a walk pretty quickly they can pull quite hard because of excitement in the beginning.  Sue (DRC volunteer in that area) is going to be going over and seeing if she can help them get headed in the right direction with the walking.  So, all in all, it is all coming together.  For two 5.5 y/o doodles that are over 200 lbs combined,  that have lived outside their whole lives to transition to living indoors they are doing remarkably well.    I will continue to stay in touch with the family to be sure the transition continues in the right direction. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you for giving such a comprehensive report on Sadie and Shadow's transition to a new home and an indoor life. I am so glad that they appear to be doing so well in such a short time. I will be watching out for another update in a while. Thank you so much for all your persistent hard work getting these two a well deserved new home. You should be very pleased with yourself.

[Stella]

How wonderful to hear an update on their progress. I look forward to hearing more as they continue to settle in to their new home :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for this update, Sheri! Your heart must be so full of joy knowing these two are getting love and care they so deserve. Great to hear all of the news!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wonderful news, thanks for the update.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks for the report.  I really appreciate that everyone acknowledges that there are some growing pains - it gives people an idea that it is not always a walk in the park - but worth it in the end.  The doodles sleeping in dad's room is a very positive sign of them bonding as a pack.  Good on Sue to volunteer to help out with the walking.  All in all, very good news all around!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow thanks for the update, it sounds like the transition is going reasonably well, and that they are really with the perfect family!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks so much for the update. It sounds like things are progressing very well and they are enjoying their new lives. :) I would love to see a picture of Shadow with his dinosaur!  Just sounds so cute!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would love to see that, too. I had a 108 lb GSD foster who carried a little rubber dinosaur around all the time, it was the cutest thing! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sweet!

[Wendy and Myla]

Me too!  That just sounds great!  So happy for these two doods!!!!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Wow, this is wonderful news.  Thanks so much for the detailed update.

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I have been wondering how they were doing.. so glad to hear happy news for those two!!