Brogan's first couple days...

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Brogan has been with our pack for 1 day and he is already settling in. Based upon how awful he smelled and how matted he was I doubt he ever spent a single day indoors until he joined our pack. But they have been teaching him the potty rules. We have had no accidents. Brogan is very shy around people and tries to avoid them.
We basically let him have his space Saturday and let just sniff and explore. Both Saturday and Sunday nights
he slept peacefully in his crate in our bedroom. Sunday he started warming up to DH and I. Today he is evening laying his head on my mouse pad looking for an ear scratch. He has even given a few tentative kisses.

Harlow loves having a bigger dog to play with her. Brogan looks like he is about 2 to 3 inches taller than Harlow, so I would guestimate he is 24 to 25 inches. So he has the size and speed to keep up with Harlow zooming through the backyard. They take turns chasing each other. I was watching them play tag yesterday when I realized that Harlow had Brogan by the end of his tail while they were zooming across the yard (darn it! I didn’t have my camera). It was a funny site; hopefully they will do it again so I can get a picture.

Harlow also spent yesterday teaching Brogan how to go up and down stairs. She would bounce up a few stairs and bark playfully to get Brogan to come to her; then she would go back down the stairs with him. She kept doing
this over and over; each time adding a few more stairs until she had him climbing up all the stairs to our second floor. By mid-afternoon Brogan was going up and down the stairs like a pro.

When we picked up Brogan on Saturday I could tell he was under weight when I felt his ribs under all those mats. I see he was under weight after all those mats were cut away. Then we weighed him on the Petsmart scales; he weighs 52 pounds. That is only 2 pounds more than Harlow who is smaller and finer boned than him. We are working to put more meat on his bones. He is getting 2 cups of food (Blue Buff Wilderness) for breakfast and dinner along with everyone else, but he is also getting an extra cup at lunch. He is always hungry but I don’t want to over stress his system with too much high quality food (he was getting Ol Roy at the shelter – yuck) too fast. At least I know he is food motivated which should help with obedience training.

[Christine & Shelby]

So happy Borgan has found such a loving home! Thanks for the update - can't wait to hear more!

[Michele Barton]

I admire you and all the other rescuers so much! It's great to hear that Brogan is settling in and having fun with Harlow!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I love reading these accounts of dogs rescued by you guys. They are so uplifting and inspiring. You do such a good job.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Thank you Nina!....We are so grateful to have you as part of our rescue family!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

So glad to hear Brogan is doing great, can't wait to see pick of Harlow and Brogan together.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Brogan sounds like he's going to be just fine, and make someone a wonderful companion! Thanks for teaching him to be a dog, Harlow!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow, it's great that things are moving along so quickly. I love how dogs can teach each other...they are total copycats. You'll be surprised how quickly you can put weight on Brogan. Murphy was pretty skinny, and in two weeks there's so much more meat on his bones. He's very lucky to have found his way to you to learn how to be a healthy, happy Doodle.

[Camilla and Darwin]

How exciting! I know Brogan is going to progress wonderfully, thanks to you and Harlow!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Nina ....sounds like things are progressing very nicely. When Lucy and Sophie are outside chasing each other Sophie is a permanent fixture on Lucy's tail.

[Frannie & Callie]

Brogan! So glad that he is settling in so well! He sounds like the polar opposite of Wilbur...he ignores all other dogs but now wants attention from every person he sees! 60% chance of rain on Sunday...what a bummer!