Lizzie has a brother!

[Missi]

Unfortunately this is not the happy bring-home-a-new and healthy puppy story it should be! Before I begin, I HATE HATE HATE that people bring dogs home who have NO idea what goes into taking care of a dog, either financially or time-wise!

I was sent a link to a craigslist advertisement for a black labradoodle from my aunt (I know Karen, you HATE craigslist). I shot a quick e-mail to the couple to find out about the dog and they called me back within a couple of hours. His name is Marley, he's from 4 paws labradoodles (a respectable breeder) here in Wichita, he's 12 months old and he's "like our child." After asking about his health and personality it sounded as if he and Lizzie would get along well. So we scheduled a meeting for them last night. The wife cried on the phone about having to give up the dog but they just didn't have the money (after being laid off) or the time (with a couple of young kids) to "deal with" the dog.

Fast forward a couple of hours, Marley and Lizzie meet. Marley is very fearful, but there was no agression at all and he was sweet to dbf and me. We decided to have a trial night and see how they did. Lizzie just wanted to play and was so happy to have a friend around. And then I find out, that this dog has NEVER been taken to the vet, he is matted from his head all the way to his toes, and has had no training, besides house training. "Like our child" my butt. I bet those kids had their shots and their hair combed!

Marley has been neutered though, and after speaking with Linda from 4 Paws, he was not an early neuter. So I'm trying to piece together this sad pup's story. He has obviously been to some kind of vet to get neutered, but the owners don't seem to know. Linda thanked me for "rescuing" him, and said had she known his true condition, she would have taken him out of there immediately.

So, Marley has played with Lizzie and been a gentleman all night. He doesn't like going into his crate, but once he's in it, he does fine. Linda suggested that this is because he had probably spent most of his life in one. He's only barked a few times and has been okay with the cats. They are not thrilled.

Lizzie is in Heaven!

Marley has a very busy schedule ahead. 2pm today is the vet appointment to get him up to date on shots. 1pm tomorrow is the grooming appointment so we can get all those poor mats out of there! He'll feel like a new dog! His tags are already ordered and I just need to switch over the microchip. He definitely needs some weight on him and we will be switching him to some better food.

So, I know it's not the best start to his life, but we'll fix it from now. We are going to obedience school to try to get him some self-confidence too. I am really excited about adding him to our family. He is already in love with the big back yard and Lizzie. The rest will come in time. If anyone else has tips for working with a "rescue," let me know!

[BG and Gavin]

Wow! What a great-looking mug! I just love a happy ending!

[Camilla and Darwin]

He is adorable, and how exciting for Lizzie!

[Rose]

Marley's beautiful! Congratulations to all of you!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What a lucky boy Marley is. Congrats to you, DBF and Lizzy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Marley is so beautiful....and so lucky to be coming into your family. Glad the first night went so well and Lizzie is happy about her new brother. I'm sure they will grow to be great pals. Wait until he gets a few good meals and a trip to the spa, and he'll feel like a new dog. The confidence will come as he learns how much you love him. Please keep us posted on how things are going. I'm very excited for you!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Congratulations to Lizzie's family! Good luck with Marley - he will be a great addition to your family :) He is adorable and one lucky dood to have found you.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Marley looks very handsome. I have trouble understanding people's priorities. Didn't they have the children when they got the dog? Keeping fur trimmed short if need be doesn't take much time and prevents a lot of matting. Petco and others offer inexpensive vaccinations. So it seems to me that at least some proper care could have been given to this dog despite difficulties. I'm glad he's now in a better family. Good luck with him.

[Patty]

Sometimes dogs come from somewhat unconventional places that surprise us: craigslist, petfinder classifieds (rather than listings), direct owner give-ups. And sometimes they surprise us by being rescues in every sense of the word.

Thanks for bringing this beautiful boy into your family!

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

What a sweet sweet face Marley has! He is so lucky to have you as his family! With all you went through with Lizzie he's in wonderful hands and will flurish! Welcome to Doodlekisses Marley, you will be much loved here!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am so thrilled and proud that you brought this little man! I am so sure that he is just thrilled to have a home where he gets attention, a buddy and room to play. Congrats!!!