Riley (was Dale)

Riley with his human brothers- all getting clean!!!

Riley and his buddy guarding the lakefront.

Name:Dale
Age: 1 to 2 years
Gender:Male
Spay/Neuter:Yes 4/1/08
UTD on immunizations:Yes
Heartworm statue:Negative
Date of intake:3/26/08

Update from his new momma:

Riley (was Dale)went to his forever home in April 2008 and will be living in LA with his momma, LeAnne.

Where do I sign and on what dotted line? Big time huge happy, here! We're headed out of town tomorrow, but I need to get you your kennel, leash (chewed up), and collar. Also need to do our paperwork and give you our check. Can I have him chipped at the vet's office without the formal paperwork?

Dale/Riley has improved considerably on the leash walking, sitting, kenneling, and cat-astrophic behavior since he came home 72 hours ago. In fact, Malay, you'd be amazed at how beautifully he kenneled for me today! Yesterday, I backed him in like we do with the cats. Today, he walked right in!

Jack and I took Dale/Riley to Abcantra today to get an evaluation by Don Abney, a search and rescue dog guy, trainer, former deputy sheriff. He uses pinch collars in training which does not thrill me, however, I put the thing on my bare leg and pulled on it myself. No, that Catholic-splinter group with the self flagellation rituals has not converted me, but I needed to feel comfortable about using this thing…am still on the fence. And that just hurts my butt, not the leg…

Anyway, with just the nice flat collar, Riley did great – even with the guy's cats. I did chuck that can full of pennies towards him once last night, and he stopped barking at the cat.

Now, have you ever heard of the bull whip test? Some dogs get trained by pros to be guard dogs, and often, a bull whip is used. So, to double check that some numbskull hasn't tried to teach your used-dog aggression, Mr. Abney cracks the whip near the area where you are standing with your dog on the lead (wearing the flat collar). Riley looked at him like he was nuts (me too), but didn't flinch…just snuggled up to me. After several repeated cracks and pauses, the guy had the whip lying on the ground a few feet from Riley's front paws. He walked over to sniff it.

We repeated this several times, and the guy said this dog is phenomenal. Great temperament, wants to please me, willing to submit to authority in the cat situation just using that nice flat collar. Walked beautifully. Says those scars look like old cat scratches, so he's never had anybody correct him about going after them.

We are going to do obedience classes, not sure with who…maybe this guy…but when we are done, I'm going to do tracking lessons with him, using both kids. The boys and dog will find it fun, and we can practice it like hide & seek for Cole at home. Those lessons are 400 (gulp), but I do want to track.

All for now…sorry for details, but you two have been so interested in Cole's well being, I thought you'd be interested.

With much affection and complete appreciation,

LeAnne (and Riley!!!!!!!)

Hello everyone:
Call me DALE. My foster dad says I am real sweet, easy going, and very playful. Everyone who sees me tells my foster dad how handsome I look. I am between 1 and 2 years old and was found wondering on the streets in Covington, LA. I spent a few nights in the St. Tammany Parish shelter and didn't like the other dogs always barking and shouting. I am glad to be out of there and living with my foster dad and two golden buddies. I am neutered, up to date on my shots, and Heartworm negative. I get along great with other dogs and am really enjoying running and playing with two of them at my foster home. I love to be outside running and retrieving balls or toys. I am looking for my forever home where everybody will love me forever. I promise to love you back ten-fold. You will never be tired of petting me and feeling my cold nose against your hand. I have lots of energy to burn everyday, so I need someone to exercise with me or go walking with me and teach me how to be a good and obedient canine citizen. I promise I won't let you down.