Hello Everyone

My name is Olivia and I was saved from a puppy mill early January 2009. I weighed 35 pounds instead of the 65-70 pounds I should be but I have been gaining weight and my coat will get softer and fuller because of of all the great nutrition I am getting. My first foster family gave me this beautiful name. I am a very shy Royal Standard Poodle, cream in color . We poodles are often equated to " beauty with no brains, but we are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience training. Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, I will have an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to my breed. I am very proud despite my horrible first 2 years. I must be reminded to keep my head up with pride. I will be very loyal and loving. The Standard Poodle temperament is that of a people pleaser. They will go out of their way to make their humans happy. They generally bond to everyone in their human family instead of one person exclusively.

As long as you have a sense of humor and don’t mind a dog that outsmarts you once in a while, a Standard Poodle may be a good choice for you!

A Look Back at My Ancestors

Poodles originated in Germany as a water retriever. The stylish "Poodle Clip" was designed by hunters to help us move through the water more efficiently and keep our vital organs and joints warm which are susceptible to cold. The Parisiens got creative with this idea as we all know! The Standard variety, like me, is the oldest of the three varieties. The Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting and the Toy Poodle was often used in performances and circuses. I can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. My hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular professional grooming. I am an active breed and require daily exercise. I can be trained to walk on a treadmill too.

Here is an excellent read on puppy mill dogs and their problems

Sign a petition to stop puppy mills in Quebec here

More interesting reading about how to buy a dog

Potty Training Video

Dog Park Rules

Definition of a puppy mill
as a large-scale and sub-standard breeding facility
where the sole motivation is profit,
where there is inbreeding,
where animals are treated as a commodity.

" She is your friend, your partner,
your defender, your dog.
You are her life, her love, her leader. She will
be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat
of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of
such devotion."

Unknown

My observations and recommendations for a forever home are at the very end of this page.

February 2010

It's good to hear from you, Heather. Lucy is well. She continues to progress in her recovery from
her sad early life. My sister tells me that she knows when I am due home from work. when I'm due
home she stands looking out the driveway for me. She has become very cuddly and likes to sleep
pressed against me.

Sorry I don't have pictures. She runs whenever I take out the camera. We surmise that she thinks pictures
lead to adoption. She didn't really want to leave you, although she is happy here now.

July 2009

Lucy is well, but hates to have her picture taken. There are some problems.

Lucy keeps getting abcesses on her feet. Antibiotics didn't work. Hypoallergenic food didn't work.
Prednisone works. We are thinking of leaving here on a low dose, but for now will try just treating
as needed. My other puppy mill rescue has foot problems, too.

During the spay, our vet found that Lucy had a hernia. Now that her hernia is repaired, Lucy seems
much happier. A symptom of hernia is a worried expression...just like Lucy used to have. The hernia
could have been congenital, or it could have been from puppy birth. At any rate, she is all better now.

Lucy is very affectionate, but a bit rough with her affection. She continues to chase the cats.
I may have to use a training collar. Now that she has been spayed, she has taken to grabbing
the littlest dog and holding her between her paws to lick and chew. I am beginning to wonder whether
she would be better off in a one pet home. She doesn't seem to understand animal social graces at all.

She is a love, though. She likes to sleep pressed against me and to rest her head on me.

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009, UPDATE FROM VERMONT
Almost 2 months after her adoption to Kate.

Olivia's name has been changed to Lucy but she will always stay Olivia to me - Heather

Lucy is fine. She comes in the living room with us at night now. sometimes she seems very
happy, but she still seems to be sad and fearful quite a lot.

Oh, this morning Lucy brought a big "bully stick" to Sophie (my other big poodle) and laid
it down between Sophie's paws. This is very good, because they still seem to have a bit of sibling rivalry. Lucy is still chasing cats more than I would like and being rougher with the other dogs than I think is good, but she is gradually coming around.

I'll try to send pictures, soon.
Best always,
Kate

January 31st, 2009, VERMONT

Hi Heather,

Olivia decided to join us in the living room today. She and Sophie were sitting
side by side on the love seat. Their play is getting better and better, but
once in a while Oivia starts barking and seems too rough. I've been putting her leash
on and making her walk close to me for a while when she barks and nips.

But all four dogs are doing well together. Fritz, the pug, has started nibbling Olivia's
neck and jowls in a show of affection. Grace, the pug, has slept with her head
resting on Olivia. They all eat out of each others' dishes at meal times, but there
is no growling or jostling.

Today we went into deep wind blown powder for our walk. I was sweating
and Olivia actually got tired enough to walk behind me, not out in front.

Best always,
Kate xxxxx

January 29th, 2009, VERMONT

Hi Heather,

Yes, Olivia still declines to join us in the living room in the evening. She prefers my
bedroom. Or, better yet, she wants to be outside. Freedom, freedom freedom!!!
That's Olivia's motto.

You did so much work with Olivia to bring her so far so fast. She rushes to go down the stairs to the basement, while one of the other dogs will go. Perhaps
she will teach them. How on earth did you teach her to take stairs?

I do feel so blessed to have Oivia and the rest of my animal family. Thanks
for everything.

Kate

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009, VERMONT

Hello Heather and all:

Olivia continues to thrive. She quickly learned how to use the pet door
that is intended only for smaller dogs and cats. This greaty simplified
our work on proper toilet procedures.

On the down side, whenever I take the camera out she runs out the
door into the yard. We already have loads of pictures of Olivia alone
outdoors. What I want is those cute shots with other animals on the
bed or eating together.

If it were warmer I could bring the camera on our walks. Olivia continues
to amaze everyone she meets with her friendliness to all, man and
beast alike. She loves to play in the snow.

Sophie, Olivia's new sister, does assert her dominance a bit from time to
time, but for the most part they just run and play wildly. It fills my heart
with joy just to see them. In fact, I'm giving Olivia a middle name: Lucille,
from the Latin for light, because she is the light of my life.

Kate

Sunday January 25th, 2009, UPDATE FROM VERMONT

Hello Heather and all:

Olivia and I had an uneventful trip home (Rutland, Vermont).

The line at the border was relatively short. the
customs agent thought Olivia was beautiful.

We stopped for a walk at the CVPS dam / dog walking trail. Olivia and Sophie are so well matched. The romped beautifully together.

All four dogs and Emmett (the cat who likes dog food) had dinner together without any problems.
Olivia ate, lay down, burped and then watched the slower eaters finish.

At the end of the evening, Olivia, Sophie (the Royal poodle), Fritz (the pug) and Grace (the puppie mill pug) all piled into bed with me. Emmett and Luiji, two of the cats, joined us intermittently. Olivia actually came under the covers and rested her head on my lower back and hip.

This morning Olivia learned that it might be safe to take treats from my hands. All pees and poops
on our walks today were rewarded with chicken nibbles.

I've taken a few pictures, but Olivia keeps jumping up and running away when I bring the camera out.

I'll send some photos along soon.

Thanks for everything,
Kate

ps Olivia says she misses Heather, but really likes her new yard a lot.

Day 19 - Saturday, January 24th

This morning around 9:30 am Olivia left Montreal to start a new life in Rutland Vermont. Kate, her new mistress brought along her other Royal poodle Sophie to meet Olivia.  It was quite a sight to see them together!  I just know that they will become fast friends.  I also know that Olivia is going to have such an extraordinary life from now on.  I am profoundly sad to give her up but I also know it's the best thing I could have done for her.  Kate has promised to keep me up-to-date and send news and pictures.  I might even get to see her again this summer. 

Bye bye Olivia.  You will be forever in my heart.

Saying goodbye to Olivia

Olivia with Kate her new mistress & Sophie (her new doggy friend)

Like usual, Olivia trying to hide when she sees the camera.

Olivia & Sophie together getting ready to leave on their 4 hour journey home

Bye Olivia.  You will be greatly missed  But I'm looking forward
to news of how you are doing. I know you will be happy with Kate
and Sophie. I will never forget you!  XXXXXXXXX

SEPARATE LIFETIMES We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the neccesary plan. --- Irving Townsend --- "The Once Again Prince"

Day 18 - Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

I am all too aware that my days now with Olivia are coming to an end.  There is a final meeting this weekend but I have good vibes that Olivia will be adopted.  I knew it was going to be hard but I am blown away by how painful it is.  I have fostered before and sometimes I was even happy to see them go with their new owners but this time it is so different.  I think it might have to do with the condition Olivia was in and how I have nurtured her loved her more and more each day and watched her explore and learn how to love.  It would be selfish of me to keep her as she really needs a big back yard to enjoy the freedom she was denied for so long.  Anyways, here are a few photos we took today in the park.

Day 17 - Wednesday , January 21st, 2009

The days pass by so quickly. Olivia continues to thrive.  With each passing day she becomes happier and happier.  She reminds me so often of a new fawn, all 4 legs splayed out at times, gangly and uncoordinated due to the pure joy of playfully romping around.  Yet, each evening when the sun goes down, Olivia heads for her daybed and prefers to sit there in the dark (well, I do keep a low watt lamp in there on) and doesn't come out unless someone comes to the door (she still doesn't bark) or BiBi gets her out for one reason or another.   I think she likes to rest, still strengthening muscles she never had to use and perhaps just stepping back from it all.  She seems to like the evening peace and quiet. I can't get her to rest on a blanket in front of the fireplace near the family despite all my coaxing. I'm laughing because at this moment while writing this she just chased BiBi out of "her" room. lol  I think he has a dentabone too!  I bought one each today and I could have sworn BiBi hid his.  I will have to check that out! Here are a couple of pics I took today.  Isn't she proud and beautiful???  You bet, both inside and out.  XXXXX

Day 14 & 15 - Sunday & Monday , January 18th and 19th, 2009

Olivia has make our lives richer now for 15 straight days in a row.  This morning, she was able to go to the park to romp around with Sylvie & Raymond (my downstairs neighbors who has the 2 goldens) in Angrignon Park.  Sylvie attached the dogs together and Olivia ran with the wind with them.  She truly loves the outdoors.  But before all of that, earlier I was practicing with her outside on how to walk nicely on a leash without pulling.  It's easy to do.  You just walk all over the road like a drunk and she follows!  It doesn't take long for her to "get it" and within minutes she is following by your left leg nice and close.  Today I thought .......  I am not going to try to "sell" Olivia to anyone.  She is smart and beautiful on her own.  The idea that she is a great dog doesn't need to be "sold."  My wish is that the right person for Olivia sees that for themselves and doesn't need convincing.  Olivia is now perfect in every way. 

Potty yeah!!

Day 13 - Saturday, January 17th, 2009

Olivia is doing great. She fattens up a little each day and is filling out nicely. Our goal is to get her to at least 65 pounds. She has become very playful and so I bought her a couple of toys which she promptly took to her daybed. It is good for teeth to chew the rope toys. I need to mention too that it takes not more than 5 minutes to pass a wire brush through her "lamb fur". She feels like a Plushy! She loves to be brushed and stays very quiet. Also, being a bigger dog, her bowls need to be heavy. She has knocked over two kinds already! See......... Olivia is not the only one learning lol.

Day 12 - Friday, January 16th, 2009

Olivia has now been groomed by a wonderful groomer named Daniela Romano of CleanCut Grooming. She can be reached by calling 514.969-5911. She is passionate about her work and took her time with Olivia doing her a little at a time respecting Olivia's nervousness of the noises of the scissors around her face, the blower etc. Kudos to Daniela for having such a big heart. The groomer just loved working with Olivia and loves her as much as we all do who get to know her. She said that Olivia knows how to be a princess! Fancy that! I tried to take some pictures but as I mentioned before, Olivia is petrified of the camera, hiding either behind the daybed or putting her face under the covers. Poor girl.... so I didn't want to tramautize her too much and lose my trust with her. But I did manage to get this one!

Day 11 - Thursday, January 15th, 2009

It is still freezing outside so I can't take Olivia for her regular walks. I let her briefly on the balcony to do her business and she prances around like a little fawn. I can only imagine how she will run around in a large back yard! When I woke up this morning Olivia had eaten all her food and then managed to knock over the whole bag and dine on her own! This afternoon we will go and see Daniela, the groomer. I will post some pictures later so come back and see Olivia. She is going to get what is called a "Health" cut. :)

Day 10 - Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

Today is the big day for Olivia. A real professional grooming from head to toe. It is going to do her the world of good. For the past couple of days she has been so happy. Frisky is really the word lol. She has found the pleasure of play. Loves to chew on BiBi's rope toys. This is very good because rope toys act like dental floss and clean the teeth. She also trusts me 110%. It is so amazing that a dog can be treated like a commodity locked up in a cage too small and then turn around and learn to be a dog again, be happy and trust a human. Her housbreaking training is going well. Very few accidents in the house now and mostly on the paper in her "daybed room." during the night. She doesn't like to let me out of her sight but can relax on a blanket not far away where she can see me. She is good when we go out and I have to leave her alone. I love it when she walks beside me touching my left leg with my hand on her head. She loves it too. But you have to be alert because she gets frisky and quickly decides to cut in front. I still find it funny how every night she puts herself to bed when it starts to get dark. When you think about it though, she is using musles she never had to use, and exercising which she never did being confined to a small cage. I bet she just gets tired out! She's getting stronger every day and is getting fatter too. I will be so happy when she finds her forever home as I am getting very attached. Unfortunately, I cannot keep 2 dogs. Olivia will make a wonderful companion for the right person. She will be so very loyal and loving and grateful. I would keep her if I didn't have another dog. I know I will cry when she leaves.

Oh.... I just received a phone call from the groomer. The city is shutting off the water in her area (near Frontenac Metro) so Olivia's appointment has been changed to tomorrow at 10 am. That's okay. One more day won't matter. Too bad it's way too cold to take the dogs out.

She loves to look at herself in the mirror LOL But I do tell her "OFF" and put her feet on the
floor. She must learn good manners.

Day 9 - Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Today is the 13th and maybe it will be Olivia's lucky number too. I wonder what day is her birthday?
I have great news! Olivia is going to the groomer tomorrow at 11am. I actually found someone who is passionate about these poor dogs. Kudos to her! If all goes well I will do everything I can to help her promote her business. I will be posting Olivia's model portfolio so come back soon! My faith in the human race has been restored!

Olivia has been excellent at the potty training. Her accidents in the house are rare now. She still pees during the night but always on her paper. Probably in another week she will be okay. The trick is to not leave her alone so you can catch her and put her outside. She understands that it's go to go outside. My little BiBi comes over and two or three tactics depending on the urgency. She will either sit right in front of you, right in your face. Or she will sit by the door and lastly, if it's urgent, he comes over and nibbles gently with his teeth on your arm. So cute! He really is a great dog. Here's a pic. He's a hybrid, Teckel and wirehaired griffon.

Day 8 - Monday, January 12th, 2009

Another day has gone by and no one has had word about the people who came to see Olivia yesterday. :( This dog has great potential and it's sad to see her passed over. I spent several hours today looking for a groomer who will clean up Olivia pro bono. I just don't understand people at all anymore. Everyone is out to make a profit and find some goodness in their heart to do a free grooming every now and then. I owned a retail store. You have to do stuff free once in awhile. Besides, it makes you feel good. Anyways, I'm just disillusioned with the human race sometimes.

Today Dan and I took the 2 dogs for a very long walk in Angrignon Park. It was a perfect sunny day for that. -7c wasn't that bad at all. The dogs loved it. Then we encountered a woman with two older goldens both off leash. One of her dogs growled at Olivia and Dan didn't like it.
The woman did nothing and refused to believe that her dog did that. I know Dan would not lie about something like that. Why would he? Her dogs were off leash. I hate that. Firstly, it's against the law. Secondly, there are people in the park who are afraid of dogs and it ruins it for them. How can they enjoy their stroll with loose dogs running everywhere, especially large ones. It's not fair to them. It's not fair to parents who are walking with their young kids who get afraid. And thirdly, some dogs are like my little BiBi. He feels intimidated by big dogs and will charge them at first. He has to get used to them slowly and gain their trust slowly. When off leash dogs come running at him he is going to attack first. Why can't dog owners understand. They put their dog's freedom to roam above all, even th law. It's just not fair. I don't know why these dog owners just don't get it. There are reasons for dog leash laws. Again, it's disrespect for others. I know these particular dog freedom owners don't like the dog park. I have been there many times myself. I have yet to see sick dogs there. The dog owners I have met love their dogs and want them to run in a protected area that was built just for this reason. I have see many pure bred dogs and mixes with their owners that take them to the vet and care about their dogs. I would be more afraid of dogs running loose in the park. These same people who claim the dog park is full of germs and diseases are the same people who put their their kids in daycare. Go figure....

Lastly, Olivia continues to eat well. I just put her in her "room" on her "daybed" and turned off the light and not a peep out of her. Off she went. There were no peepee accidents in the house today and only one poo accident. Things are looking up! Considering she poos 3 or 4 times a day! I fill her bowl up to the top with food. Probably about 6 cups and every morning it's empty. I think she likes to eat first thing when she wakes up in the morning.

Well, that's about it for tonight.

Here's a nice picture of Olivia taken yesterday, Sunday January 11th.

Day 6 & 7 - Saturday & Sunday, January 10th and 11th, 2009

Well, it has been a busy weekend. My server screwed up and didn't renew my domain name even though it's only due in February and that's why you couldn't read the blog. Olivia continues to do well. I have noticed that she is most active in the early afternoons. Once it starts to get dark outside, she settles down on her daybed and goes to sleep. Not a peep out of her. Olivia had some visitors today, and she was well behaved like always and was attracted to the daughter who sat on the floor near her. Who knows what's in Olivia's future. Olivia's fur will get thicker and healthier now that she's eating excellent healthy food. She has no skin problems. If you're a groomer, or know a groomer, and want to help Olivia get adopted by giving her a free total grooming, please email me!!! I only know that whoever wants to share their life with her, they will see her as she could be with lots of TLC, good food, grooming and proper vet care. When we adopt human babies, we don't always know if they'll get sick in the future despite their rough beginnings in strange nurseries from foreign lands. We don't even know for ourselves. We can only do our best every day to eat properly and exercise. Same goes for Olivia. The only thing she needs now is unconditional love to complete her rehabilitation. Let's cross our fingers!!! If not this one, it's better to wait until the right one comes along. In the meantime, Olivia will continue to thrive under my care.

Day 5 - Friday, January 9, 2009

Here we are already day 5. Olivia has got the idea that you poop either on the paper or outside. You still have to watch her though so she doesn't eat her poop. She doesn't always do it though. As I keep saying, she's so smart! A very quick learner. Her curiosity gets her into things and places she should not go. I just tell her "OFF" with a stern voice and she's learning that fast. Never say "DOWN" as this is the command to lay down. Remember to use "OFF." I am still separating BiBi from Olivia. At least for now. Olivia does go for walks with the two big goldens downstairs and they are calm submissive. Sylvie their owner tells me they are great dogs for Olivia to learn from. Dan and I had to go to Trois Rivieres today and I was wondering what mess I would come home to but Olivia did fine in the back bedroom on her daybed. She was happy to see me and content to get outside for a while. You would hardly know she was in the house.

I think it is time for her to go to her new forever home. There really isn't any more I can do for Olivia that her permanent master could not do. Continue with the potty training. She does go on the paper or outside. Let her out every 30 minutes and give her treats for doing well. I am hoping her new owner has a fenced in yard. She would be in heaven!

It would be better for her to get attached to her new owner as soon as possible. What she needs now is an appointment with the groomer to get a third shampoo, a cut and her nails clipped. She is eating well and is very obedient. Of course, she will be spaded and at the same time have her teeth cleaned. Her days as a mom are at an end and a great, well deserved cushy life has begun.

Day 4 - Thursday, January 8, 2009

Another day has passed and I learn more and more about Olivia. My daughter came to spend the day with my 2 1/2 year and 4 month old granddaughters. Olivia was fine with both. She doesn't mind children at all. As a precaution, I put BiBi's food and water dishes up on the counter not knowing how Olivia would react with BiBi and the kids near food. Olivia is an escape artist let me tell you! As mentioned, I have been keeping her to sleep in the back bedroom/office where she has the daybed to herself. When I need a break, in she goes and she doesn't mind at all. She even goes in herself knowing it's her space. Now that she has had more and more time roaming around the house she is not as happy in there and so she uses that great intelligence of hers to escape! Just a little while ago, I passed a cord around the door hinge and attached it to the gate to escape proof it and she was trying to undo it! LOL Smart, smart smart. All day she went outside to do her business and was always sucessful. She loves her treats. I put some in the bottom of my glove as I walk with her and dangle my hand in front of her nose. Makes her walk nice! lol So that's all the good stuff. There was a terrifying moment for me though. Bibi and her were following each other around. BiBi went into her daybed room and saw the dog food there. Of course he went for the food and Olivia went balistic attacking him. She has a gigantic bowl of water and another gigantic bowl of food and both went flying. I understand 100% completely, she is only 50% of her normal weight and has not had regular feedings and is very possessive of her food. She lets me pick up the bowl and seems to understand that it's me that gives her the food. She just did not want another dog to touch it. I think with time she can be rehabilitated and will come to understand that food is always readily available now and she might be less aggressive about it. So she did not pass the food test :( at least not for now. I have decided to not let Olivia and BiBi mingle. I think Olivia might do better if she goes to a home where she is the only dog eventhough outside she seems find with other dogs. By the way, she is putting on weight and it's starting to show! I will post some pics tomorrow.

Day 3 - Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Today Olivia continues to come out of her shell. Today was the first day she trusted me enough to take a treat right out of my hand. She has not been able to do this making it not as effective to give her treats for good behaviour. She has started to eat more which is a good sign. She had more toilet accidents in the house during the night (she ate her poop, yuck!) and today despite taking her out often. She drinks a lot of water. I caught her starting to pee on the floor and yelled NO! and she immediately stopped. She is sensitive whe you raise your voice. I took her outside right away. I need to catch her more but keeping 2 dogs apart make it difficult to watch Olivia 100% of the time. I also moved up the gate as far as the living room so she could get closer to the action. She really enjoys roaming all over the house and understands that even she's confined to a very large bedroom, it is still confinement to her. In such a short time, she really loves her freedom. Right now though, she is back in the daybed room.

I am still keeping my dog BiBi and Olivia apart. I think at this time it's the right decision. I'm not sure why, it's just a "gut feeling" and as a mother, it's good to listen to that. My good neighbour downstairs who has two beautiful Goldens offered to take Olivia with them on their walk to Angrignon Park. Olivia just loves the outdoors and gets really worked up and happy to go out despite the snow storm. She likes to steal the frozen left over buns and toast I leave for the birds, and takes them right out of the bird bath! Today we worked on walking beside me and not pulling in front. Every time she starts to pull I change direction and she picks up very fast that she should walk beside me. When she come up and beside, I loosen the leash. She even presses her body right against my thigh! I never met a dog as smart at Olivia. She will be wonderful to train and hopefully will get a master that will spend a lot of time with her. She is eager to please and would make a loyal companion for someone. She lays on her daybed like a princess often with her front legs crossed and if I don't go to her room regularly will start to cry a little to see me. I make it a point of not leaving her alone in "her room" too long. I go and talk to her, and I often sit beside her on the bed. When I am that close she won't look at me. She isn't comfortable with that yet. I always pet her and talk to her happily when I do this, giving ear scratches, another of her favorite things. She hates the camera and takes off and sometimes even hides under the blanket lol I have to be quick!

Day 2 - Tuesday, January 6, 2009

After a restless night on my part, I notice Olivia is quite perky this morning. BiBi is still checking her out by nosing Olivia at the gate. I know he wants to really sniff her everywhere as dogs do. Olivia hardly barks at all and prefers to be around us than by herself in the office. I can’t let her free to roam just yet as I need a clean bill of health from the vet in order to protect my little dog from any parasites or disease. Olivia jumped the gate and since Dan is up often in the night he nabbed her and put her in my office where she promptly discovered the comfort of the daybed and has made herself at home on it. She still drinks a lot of water but did not have any peepee accidents yet in the house but had two small poops on the floor. I will buy some treats today to reinforce the good habit of going outside. I tried cheese but she doesn’t like it. She pulls a lot and is all over the sidewalk, preferring to walk in front than on the side. I am also working with her to walk calmly beside the pack leader (me!) Although she is two years old, she has no skills at all. None whatsoever! I wish it wasn’t so cold outside so we can stay out longer although she doesn’t show signs of being cold outside and adores the snow.

Well, we saw the vet and Olivia kept low in the back of my Versa hatchback under a large quilt. Once in a while poking out her head. Not too sure if she was liking the ride or not lol. Olivia has two ear infections and is on drops for the next few days. She also got her regular vaccines including distemper. I managed to get her to swallow two huge worming pills, which she has another 2 to take in 10 days on January 16th. Dan helped me and between the two of us shoved the huge pill at the back of her throat. Imagine, I bought 2 McDonalds hmburgers trying to lure Olivia into eating the pills. No way Jose! She has not regained her appetite as yet. Doc also said she needs a good teeth cleaning and maybe even some extractions. Since all was going so good, I decided t give her her second bath. It has been hard to sit with her and cuddle etc when she has smelled so bad. At this moment she has hunkered down on the daybed partially hiding under the covers. Poodles are known to be shy though. She is finally resting. It's like she has been afraid to close her eyes. I still have to keep my dog separate at least until tomorrow and let the worm pills do their job. I'm not sure how BiBi will react. He has been trying to get close since last night when Olivia arrived.

This will be the last entry for this long day. Olivia came with me tonight to a children's school where I teach oil painting to teenagers. She was very good and got lots of caresses. She was curious, never barked and was gentle to all the kids. She has not had any peepee accidents in the house today preferring to go outside in the snow. As she just started to eat a little bit this afternoon, I can't report on the poop. We'll save that story for tomorrow!

Day 1 - Monday, January 5, 2009

Olivia arrives. It is such a sad sight. She is painfully thin; You can see all her hips and ribs and has sores on her back because she lived in a cage too small for her and she always scraped her back trying to turn around or even stand up. At certain moments she stands funny all scrunched up like she is still in a cage, especially when she has to go potty. You would be amazed at how small she can fold herself in. She was with another foster family since Friday but their apartment was just too small to keep her and I’m sure Olivia appreciated their tremendous effort to clean her up. Although she had a bath and after 4 hours taking out knots filled with excrement and filth, she stills smells badly. I have taken her out to pee which she did (gave her tons of praise) but she doesn’t know how to walk on a leash and is shaky on the stairs. She never learned how stuck in a cage. She is painfully thin and curious about everything. I have taken her out twice and both times she did her business outside. She wags her tail like crazy when you talk excitedly to her. I gave her a ton of praise. Tomorrow I will buy special treats for her great effort at potty training and walking nicely on the leash.