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!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so happy she ended up with you!! She needed you. I wonder if her previous owners ever got married...I sure wouldn't marry someone who gave away my dog.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I admire anyone who rescues/adopts an unknown dog!  I'm chicken myself although I've known way more successful adoptions than bad. Elli is beautiful and, along with Skadi, very entertaining!   It is nice that you shared the "behind the scenes" of your photos.  Happy Birthday Elli - you got yourself a loving home along with a beautiful sister!

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Don't think I wasn't "leary" of adopting someone else's dog...the unknown is always scary.  With Elli I did get very lucky...to think of all the behavior problems a dog can develop, I think Elli's were quite minor...and I am training her off leash NOT to run off chasing the wild turkeys and deer.  Having a gigantic fenced yard, a doggie door to the garage and a big bathing tub makes having the girls much more enjoyable.  I cannot imagine having it any other way.  Was I prepared?  Heck NO...so like I said "the stars and moon" must have been aligned just right the day I took Elli in as my own LOL.

[DonMarie and Picco]

Training not to chase is amazing!  I know it's possible but difficult.  It really helps to have the right set up - big fenced yard and destruction free zones - and a compliant husband!  

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I agree with Laurie, that would be a red flag in my book too!  Happy Birthday Elli and Im so happy for all of you!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Happy Birthday Beautiful!!!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Happy Birthday beautiful Elli!

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Thank-you all for the support and kind words for our "little" fur family.  The former owner did marry the woman who made him re-home Elli...they do have a new "human" baby now. I have this information because I made the woman friend me on facebook so she could see I was "fit" to take Elli into my home.  Then I sent the "woman" updates and pics of Elli, until she told me she didn't need any further updates!  I have no idea if she consulted with Elli's former daddy...Anyway, all has worked out in our favor.  I am including pictures of Elli from her first month with us until now.  The top three have her "wild-eye/where do I belong look" Then she warms to our family and you can see the change in her gorgeous face!  She has learned so much, how to leash walk, how to remain calm, her recall is impeccable (puts Skadi to shame!) she still doesn't play very much with toys, but she plays with Skadi and other dogs at doggie day care, so that's probably all she needs.  She's my 3rd chance dog and I'm glad I took this Leap of Faith and found this little "diamond in the RUFF"

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I am just so in love with her! Glad you were too!

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Thanks Lori...they are just the very very best.  Can't say I would get a 3rd dood like you have, but I do love your pack too.  These girls are just so incredibly sweet!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Glad you stuck with her, in spite of her antics.  Your dogs are darling together

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Thank you for your support and compliments.  I love watching the girls together they bring peace to my hectic days.