It's time to let the cat (oops, I mean doodle!) out of the bag...

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

For the past few weeks, I have had a little secret, and if you know anything about me, you would know that I'm a horrible secret-keeper.  I usually get so excited and can't wait to spread the news, but this time I kept my big mouth shut.  Well, I woke up this morning and decided that "enough was enough" and it was time to let the cat doodle out of the bag...drum roll, please...

 

 My newest foster, Shiner!!

I know I ask this question with each of my fosters, but isn't she THE CUTEST THING EVER?  I certainly think so!  Shiner is a born-and-bred Texan (like me!) and came my way through the DRC from a child-filled home in San Antonio. She is 8 months old today and is a small standard F1 goldendoodle from a breeder in the Central Texas area.  While her parents were both in the the 65 pound range, Shiner is only 30 pounds now and I really don't expect her to weigh any more than 40 to 45 pounds when fully grown.  Her stunning black non-shedding coat is fading to a gorgeous silver -- what an absolute beauty!

Unfortunately for Shiner, her previous home had a great deal of activity with 3 young children and their friends coming and going, and Shiner did not respond well.  She became fearful and displayed her fear with constant barking.  In a nut shell, Shiner's very social family did not take the time to socialize her.  I remember those busy days myself and certainly am not here to criticize -- the right thing was done when the DRC was called.  Yes, Shiner has some issues, but nothing that training and lots of love can't handle.  If truth be known, Knox and Courtney are probably helping her as much as me in reducing her anxiety around people as they have no fear in that regard!  After having three other fosters, they are finally learning that they have a job in this passion of mine!

Finally, I want to say that I ADORE THIS DOG and the DRC and I are committed in making sure that Shiner's next home will be her FOREVER home.  Most likely, it will not contain children and will already have a well-adjusted dog in it.  Along with a great deal of patience and love, I hope it has buckets and buckets of balls...

 

 

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

For the record, I would love to keep Shiner and join the ranks of "foster-failures" but in order to do that, I would need to rehome by DH.  Gosh, it's a tough choice...

Also, Shiner is now and will probably always be a "work-in-progress" but aren't we all?  I'm finding that she is worth all the effort I have put in her and I hope her forever family will feel the same way!  Her name is so fitting -- as her sweet personality is starting to SHINE through...

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Oh beautiful... she reminds me of Ember one of my former DRC foster doodles.  You don't see many of the pewter colored doodles.  She is stunning.  Thank you for fostering her:)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

She is beautiful. I honestly don't know how any of you forster people do this, but thank you for all your hard work.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Doris - she IS gorgeous!!!  I truly believe that the other doodles can teach them more than we humans ever can.  

Mickey, for those that don't know his story in a nutshell is he was my first foster. PM to vile shelter where DRC sent me his picture and asked me if I could go and get him out of there. At 4 1/2 months, his feet never touched grass and had very little human contact. It was my Samantha who showed him how to be a dog and that humans could be trusted. He still is shy with new people but if Samantha trusts and likes them then he does too though it does take some time for him to allow them to pet him. 

Shiner is very, very lucky to have you as his Foster Mom and Knox and Courtney to show him how his life is supposed to and WILL be because of you!!

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

She is gorgeous!  Thank you so much for fostering her.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Shiner is a gorgeous Texas gal. I hope you can find her just the right forever home.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Thanks for all the comments! 

@L & S's mom -- that's a great way to describe her coat and hopefully she will be as pretty as Lucy when she grows up!

@ Karen -- haha...yea, maybe..but was coached by the best...

[Pam & Trixie]

Shes Gorgeous & Lucky to have you there to help her out & find her forever home.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Doris, every dog who comes through your home is a very lucky dog, and Shiner might be the luckiest of all. Thank you for putting yourself "out there" for her. I have to say it, my friend, you've got "buckets and buckets of balls" yourself. LOL

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Ah, how adorable.  Her coloring is just like Lucy -- I call her color Pewter because when I refer to her as silver or grey people think OLD!  I bet once her puppy coat is gone her coat will be a lot like Lucy as well!  She is beautiful.  I love that your Dogs are willing to help her adjust and learn that things are ok.  I so wish my girls were more welcoming!  Shriner's size sounds just perfect!  Great job!