Update on "Re-Homed" Elli

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

It has been one whole year since I braved the wintery weather and drove 15 miles in a snowstorm to pick up Elli from a family that advertised on Craigslist and told me they were just "too busy" to handle her.  The woman complained that Elli was just too wild and she had a just found out she was newly pregnant, had a pit bull, an 8 year old daughter, and was planning to marry her "best friend".  This was her best friends dog by the way...he wasn't around when I picked Elli up ... he was too upset.  So that's how I came to have this gorgeous creature come live with me and Skadi and my hubby. 

Gosh, now I wish I could say how smoothly the transition went...HA...the first 72 hours were pretty "wild", like the former family attested.  Elli jumped our 4 ft fence, that was the scary bad news...the good news was I got my 10000+ steps in before dark...running steps...in my snow boots!  Luckily Elli is half poodle so that means she was smart enough to circle our huge neighborhood and head back to our house!  First crisis averted.  Unfortunately it didn't stop there...Elli has managed to get away from me 5 heart stopping times altogether.  She's a runner, no doubt.  After a year of experiencing her adventurous spirit, I remain extremely vigilant when we are outside of our fenced area.  She is trained now not to jump or go near the fence so we are comfortable with letting her outside in the fenced yard.  Fattening her up helped a great deal with her ability to jump so high!  Hubby runs her on a daily basis in the nice weather which helps control her energy level.  I consulted two trainers for help with her going bezerk when she would see a critter out the window, helping Elli to remain calm.  

The family I adopted Elli from had found her on an adoption site.  They think she was 4 years old when they took her in...and kept her for 2 years.  So, because I do not know when Elli's birthday is, we decided that January will be her "birthday month" and we decided that January 9th, the day we adopted her will be her official birthday.  She is 7 now.  She is extremely sweet, extremely loving.  Skadi and her are getting along marvelously.  Lucky lucky us!

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Such a great story! You were very diligent. Lucky Elli.
I enjoyed reading you update, thanks for posting. Your
doods are gorgeous!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Happy Birthday Elli.

[BG and Gavin]

Love that bottom pic.  Thanks to you for providing such a wonderful home to her to thrive in.  Happy Birthday Elli!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Happy Birthday, Elli! 

[Leslie J]

What a happy story! Have a wonderful birthday, Elli!

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

If I had to make a choice between a man and my dogs, that man would be Looong gone! You and Skadi have been truly blessed and so has Elli! She is just gorgeous (just like Skadi). I don't understand why anyone would choose a pit bull over that sweet face. Elli is probably very grateful that you got her out of there. I don't trust those Pitts.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Happy birthday Ellie.  I'm glad you are finally home!  Love!!!!

[Janet & Jaxson]

Happy Birthday Elli! I am so happy you found a wonderful home! How can anyone resist that face?

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

She certainly is beautiful and very lucky to have found such a wonderful forever home.  I am so glad she gets along with Skadi. Happy birthdy you beautiful girl.

[Jenny and Cooper]

Aaaaww thanks for sharing the story, I never knew! Happy Birthday Elli! Her birthday is one day before Cooper's so that is easy for me to remember:) So fortunate both of you have found her on Craig's list! Skadi and Elli looks so perfect together :D

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Lucky Elli and, really, in the long run lucky you.  Happy birthday Elli.  I love, love, love that last picture.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a wonderful story....you are very special to have given the time and love to turn this beautiful Doodle's life around.  Thank you.