News from Walter aka Oliver!!

A letter came in the mail from Walter's (from now on known as Oliver) new Mom! We were super excited to hear how he's doing so we're having our secretary type it for our blog so we can share. Hopefully his Mom doesn't mind, lots of our friends were so helpful when he came to live with us. Here it is:

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Dear Maryann,
(by this we're sure she meant Tucker, Dot, Bear and Sam)

Yes, I am a titled lady - my husband was a Scottish Baron. (Tucker: The letter came on official looking Baroness letterhead so that's what she means!) I thought Oliver would like you to know he has an extra special home.

Yesterday he spent the whole day at our groomers. Got him used to being among other dogs at close quarters. (He was in a huge crate, of course) No problems. He growled when his front legs and feet were clipped. Mindy knows how to handle such behavior (no muzzles there). All natural products (she's a great dog lover and rescues). Her 6 year old daughter filed his nails and asked if he wanted nail polish? She does the poodles in various colours! He was so gentle with her.

I covered the wire fence between the two yards (gardens) with shade cloth. The sheets blew around and looked awful. So they can all see each other - the barking is now sporadic which is a good start.

He LOVES the car - have made tie downs so he can't get into the passenger seats. Today we went to the vet for general checks and heartworm tests. Julie (with Critter Crossings) has found a Parasite Vet who has other treatments for heartworms that are kinder to the dog with less risks. They will have the results Friday. Hope will determine the extent of the invasion and damage. He was only 89 pounds. Perhaps now with his coat removed and stress he has lost or the scale could be inaccurate. I read three books on heartworm at the groomers. Diet will help. We all prefer homeopathic treatments but the test results are not good. Combo of both is ok - they work well together.

The lady vet was on duty. I warned her about him not liking needles, etc. She fed him treats, gave him cuddles and spent time before she took him to do the blood draw. Muzzled him but decided he was fine so removed it. NO problems at all. I did do some trimming around his ears and lots of touching. He's doing very well. Hopefully we can soon get him neutered. That will calm him down a bit but we want him to still be the overgrown "clown" dog. He has such character. It's a shame he can't mingle until I'm sure all the dogs will be happy. The two puppies will hopefully be rehomed. To make up, I take him to my meetings (builder/architect re: rebuilding my home) Have two fenced areas there - once I know he does RECALL then he can run loose.

I will send photos soon. Have to get them developed. He looks so handsome and clean. Bought a special Bug Off Garlic Powder - flea repellent and good for their insides. (not poisonous!) Thank you for rescuing him. Everyone now knows Oliver Twists' background and trip from Texas!

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Hmmmm, he's going for rides all the time and has a bunch of land. He probably gets steak and massages too. Why didn't we go to California with him????

-Samantha

A late PS...our Pal Izzie has issued a challenge for all of us dog bloggers. You can read about it HERE! Click on the badge below and help feed rescued animals, remember to visit everyday to keep helping out!