Hey all,

Hope this is okay but wanted to post a couple of pictures of little Jess on her first day here. She is just gorgeous and so sweet natured!

Yes the grass looks a bit long but has since been cut and Jess likes to roll in freshly mown grass so I've found out!

Wow she looks lovey, you are lucky to be able to have a hose out my Sam would have it in pieces if it was not running water lol.
How old is Jess?

Toots

She is between 2-3 years of age. The hose is coiled up and away now as Charlie decided to redecorate the lawn with the hose nozzle. Jess is more interested in what comes out of it!

I have added the photos into the message to make it easier to view plus one of what Jess likes to do with what comes out of the hose. She is a real water baby.

Yes, when I fill their water bucket, she will stand there and stare at the water coming out of the hose, waiting for her chance to pounce. It's very comical to watch.

Just like our Molly - she loved the water too and used to jump at the hose - not quite the height Jessie does!! See you tomorrow (can't wait)!

Yes, should give me enough time to vacuum the dog hair and the grass that Jess decided to bring inside after rolling in it lol.

Angie what cool photos. Love the one of Jessie doing the high jump. Sasha runs away from running water. Jessis is such a lovely girl. I think alot of people on Sunday fell inlove with her.

Sasha's Mum

And I don't blame them! She is wonderful. She did really well considering I only had her for 2 days before attending the Xmas party. I should have entered her in the competition with the pool and tennis balls!

I think you have settled Jessie into everyday lifestyle exceptionally well Angie as it has only been one week today that she came into our care. Given her circumstances before this I am so pleased that she has adjusted well in such a short time.

Thank you Denise, that means a lot actually. I do think having done that course at Unitec makes a big difference as it makes me more in tune with their body language. She is such a sweet dog and would be loving to whoever adopts her, extremely loyal and affectionate also.
I'm so happy to be a part of that transition for her, and hope to do so for more dogs in the future.

Fantastic photo's, brings a smile to my face. It also reminds me of one baby I fostered here last Christmas. She was 11/12 yrs of age(correct me if I am wrong on age Denise) and just loved the water. She would jump like a spring chicken with the hose and buckets of water. She brought much joy, just as I can see little Jessie is doing also.
Thanks for sharing the photos

Cheers All
maddog

Hey everyone,

Went out to Port Waikato yesterday afternoon and took lil Jess with me for a run at the beach. So many pictures I took that I cannot add them here.
But here's the link to her very own album if you want to have a look.

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

Looks like she had a great time.... and so did you!!!

She would definitely suit being near the beach! Kept her reasonably close as thought she would disappear into the surf swimming! And I'm not that confident in the water myself.

WOW - fantastic photos! Are you sure Amber is going to be able to part with Jessie!! I bet Jessie was tuckered out when she got home!

I've explained to Amber how it works with fostering a dog and that eventually she will go to a new home. She understands that and did say to me.."At least we know she will go to a good home.." Very proud of that remark!
Yes, Jess was shattered after that. Stopped at Cobourne's (sp) Gardens for a drink and by the time we got home, it was pretty much bedtime lol.
And she has been extremely good today. No quirks of hers today!

Hmmm busy day, no 'quirks' - maybe all she needs is mind games and activity to take her mind off her tail - or lack of.

I think so. She's been quite tired today, probably a bit of 'lag' from yesterday at the beach and has been lying quietly inside while I did the housework.

Hey everyone,

New update on lil miss Jess. More photos including her swimming abilities and her new toys.
They are added to her photobucket album so same link but will add it anyway.
Enjoy!

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

Looks like the little Miss Jess has planted her paws right on your heart Angie.

She sure has Denise! It's nice to see the little changes in her since being here and knowing I was a part of that, helping her.

Great photo's, Jess and Sam would have a ball together at the lake as Sam just love'ssssss the water always first in and last out.

On hot days I play with Sam and JJ with the hose and they just love it and I get my lawn watered lol.

I cant get over how high dogs can jump for water.

Toots

Jess also likes the aftermath from the beach, the brushing and that to get her dry and all pretty again. She will pretty much go to sleep lol.
Pity of the time restriction during the day, as it's quite hot today and she will really enjoy the water.
May need a playtime with the hose soon!

I've got to get that pool to you soon somehow!

Will be out there on Wednesday and also will be attending the last day of class with Jess, if that helps?

Hmmmmm, just wondering how many 'foster' parents become adoptive parents?????

Yes I have been wondering that too. LOL
Look forward to seeing you and Jess on Wednesday night.

Sasha's Mum

Hay ColCol will you be coming to the last night of training?

Sasha's Mum

On a guess, I would say at some point become adoptive parents. (It's so tempting!)

We have had many a foster home adopt their foster dog, sometimes you just can't bear to let them go because you know in your heart she/he came to you for a reason. Sometimes it takes several foster dogs to come through your home but there is always the one you can't let go. (me included - thats how I got Skye & Maya).

Hey all,
Updated photos of Lil Miss Jess. Some with the hose and her new pool. Huge hit by the way lol.

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

She does like her new pool doesn't she. We aim to keep our foster dogs happy. Just the right day for it today too. I was very pleased at her vet report on Wednesday and she did so well at the training class. Angie you really have turnd this little girl around. Absolutely fantastic in what you have achieved.

Well, she is extremely happy and I was so pleased about her vet visit also, and the way she was at training did me proud for sure. She did so well, considering it was her first time. I mean, I have done a bit of work with her since she's been here, but to do a down-stay with all those other dogs around her was just fantastic.
It is nice to know I have made a difference towards her and that, it has been a blessing, (for both of us I think!)

Yes Angie you are doing a wonderful job with Jess, but please tell how do you get a dog to like water? I wish I could get Sasha in the pool on her own. Our last GSD loved the water, but not Sasha runs away when she see me with the hose. I have to wet a towel and place that over her to cool her down.

Sasha's Mum

Some dogs are just born to love water. As Jess was playing in her pool, and with the ball in there also and the hose, Charlie is inside completely out of the way. He hates it.
He doesnt mind getting his paws wet at the beach but won't go any further than that, he is a big baby when it comes to water.
I have tried getting him accustomed to it but it doesnt seem to work. Not with him anyway.

I'm sooo glad I got that pool for Jessie - I knew she'd love it. I've been a bit slow in replying to messages (sorry Carolyn - yes to your question about training though -:)). Angie any adoptive home is going to find it extremely hard to offer to Jess what you have given her. IF you decide to let her go - I don't want to be around because Jess is the sweetest dog I've met and you have given her so much of you (believe me - I now know how tough it can be!)

I'm beginning to think everyone is conspiring to get me to adopt Lil Miss Jess?! Lol.
But it is working ha. I'm having a good think about it, as she does need the perfect home and has progressed in leaps and bounds since being here and I don't really want her to resort back to her former self as she's worked so hard to get where she is now.

Well, for goodness sake Angie, Jess made the decision for you when she first arrived at your place . "Her forever home". Hasn't she told you yet????? You should by now understand "dog talk", although I'm still trying to get my mum to understand me!

Shiloh #485

What a poser, she's georgeous. Colcol where did you get the pool from? I'm sure Buck would like one, being long haired he really feels the heat, and whenever we go back to Albany he heads straight for the pond. Would be a good Xmas pressie for him!

Hi Lou1, I got Shiloh's pool from Warehouse and not expensive. He loves it, although it's a ight squeeze, him being horse size. Doesn't play like Jessie, just sits/lies in it to cool off.

Dalmac

You get them at the plastic centre. I got a new one last year. Crikey I thought my previous one should have lasted more than 8 years. I got a square one though, gave Hogan a bit more room. I also ended up get a double clam shell as well as Genie is also a water baby. Maya is not a fan so I have two. Talk to me nicely Lou 1 as I don't really need the longer of the two. The square one is fine for Genie.

Yes I will have to look at getting one for Sasha too some time.
Last summer we had one from the people next door to us, but gave that back when we moved. Sasha like to blow bubbles out of her nose while its under the water. She looks funny doing that.
Maybe if we ask Santa he may leave one for her.
Keep your paws crossed Sasha.

Jump on TradeMe - there are little used ones there second hand or there's a company in Waitakere that sells off their seconds for about $15 each (check this one Listing #: 259667351). I got Jessie's from someone at work though, who when I asked how much she wanted for it, said, "I could never put a price on a dog's happiness" (Lump in the throat!)

Thanks ColCol will take a look later today. Kind of forgot about that. Have been on the computer most of the time looking for jobs.

Sasha's Mum

Picked a pink one up today at Tauranga in the warehouse $20.00, they are on special.
Also got the girls Xmas toys lol

Cheers

Toots

Thanks a lot Denise, but my brother picked one up for me on Saturday. Hopefully it will be big enough as Buck is very loooooooong. Can't wait for him to try it out!

Well, I've managed to upload a couple of videos. Unfortunately not sure how to add them to Photobucket but was able to upload to Facebook.
Hopefully they work.

http://vthumb.ak.fbcdn.net/vthumb-ak-sf2p/v10819/206/66/620291905/t620291905_194574321905_1287.jpg
This first one shows Jess with her rugby ball at Okoromai Bay, even playing with other kids who came along and thought she was really cool!

http://vthumb.ak.fbcdn.net/vthumb-ak-sf2p/v10819/206/66/620291905/t620291905_194567341905_1501.jpg
This one is at Army Bay, with the ball launcher.

I don't know if it's just me Ange - but these appear to be only thumbnails - not actual video clips??

Well dog do-dos. I give up with the videos then lol.

Same here Angie! BUT am sure someone on here will be able to let you know how to do it. Not me tho. Sorry

Dalmac, Mum to Shiloh #485

Well, more updated pics of Lil' Miss Jess.
It started with refilling pool for her but she decided the hose was more interesting this time.
And she was starting to have the lingering salty smell from the sea so it was time for a bath!
Did really well, stood still with no collar on while I bathed her, didn't look entirely impressed with it all of course.
Two minutes after, playing with the hose again!
http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

Miss Jess your a slick lookin chickiebabe. I reckon youz already found your forever home by da amount of pic's of you dat have been taken. Ya Ma just a bit slow on da uptake eh. You'll have to work ya womanly German Shepherd ways on dem humans. Miss Frily knickers my sis works her ways all da time. If youz like sum tips Im sure she will help ya.

Take care cutie pie
Lub Zar

Don't do it Angie - don't let her go!! We've had the most delicious little foster dog here for just 3 wks and I can't bare the thought of her leaving us now! I'm a failure as a foster mum - I know that now! To all those who do foster - WOW! - you're all truly amazing! I just don't know how you do it

Well I managed to part with young Devon, that broke my heart, it was the longest finalisation visit I have ever done and I was crying when I signed him over to his new owners. He was delightful but so very happy where he was. Skye was one that I could not part with. I had no intentions of keeping her for myself, I was only minding her I kept telling myself, however when it came to the wire I could not part with her. I smoothed her problems away and she became the sweetest little girl only to be struck by cancer at the age of three. My next foster was Miss Maya only 4-5 weeks old, She will be 6 next March - I failed in that fostering too. I now realise you never get the dog you want, you get the dog you need and it is never at the right time but boy are you glad they came into your life. I seem to have a big sign, visible only to GSD's with health issues, that says my place is where you go.

I too understand the heartbreak of giving up your foster babies. My first I'm sure at 7yrs of age had never had a kind word or a gentle pat in his life. He came with medical issues in his ears that were soon sorted with the right care and attention. When I took him over to Taupo to met up with his new Mum and Dad who drove down the line to collect him. As they drove away with him it really did rip my heart out to see him looking back at me in confusion as to what was happening. He now is a very happy and well loved lad. I have since loved and cared for other fur babies from the young to the very elderly. From behaviour issues to medical. It is never easy to say goodbye to them, but just knowing that I introduced them to love or kept them from spending Christmas on a cold concrete pound floor and have been a link in the love- chain for them till they find neverending love and care in their forever home...It is all worth it and I would let my heart be ripped out many times over to help these amazing German Shepherds. More times than not I have learnt more from them than I could ever teach them. Sorry if this does not make sense - still bit headie from general anaesthesia today...not bad for one finger typing tho eh!

Cheers All
maddog

I think it's amazing that you have recovered from anaesthetic so quickly that you can even attempt to type. Hope your surgery went well.

Special greetings to you and all dog lovers or the festive season

Dalmac, Shiloh #485, Jac rescued Lab (who arrived last Saturday) and the little GSD who arrived yesterday and who is holidaying with us while her Dad is away.

Hey, pssst, Zar me mate. Ummm, wot happened to your new girlfriends, ummm, flag, you know, pride and joy ??

Ciao for now
Mr Bear 641

Arrhh Geezze Bear deer been so many of dem dat Iz lost count. Dey all left me den happy campa's anyhow. Wellz I ask ya who wouldn't be a happy campa afta a bit of me 007 Bond magic
Oh yeah Iz guess Mum did her bit for dem too

Chow
Zar Bond Zar 0700

Zar, do you collect your girlfriends flags, their pride and joy as a trophy ?? Cause I did notice her flag was missing, so is that your, errr, trade mark of where you have "been"?
I'm only, apparently, allowed plutonic relationships wiff girly dawgs so I miss some of the finer points of what have you.
Confused for now
Mr Bear 641

Hey Bear Iz not notice her flag gone. Iz only look at dem foto's and saw her smiling face. Shez a bit of a looker ay. Oh no dis is concern... umm a worring fing. Iz not no who snatched her pride n joy. OOOhhh maybe itz da same darn fella who snatched me ...ah hem.. me manly pride n joy ...if ye get me drift. Hey if Iz right your... ah hem... been stolen too me matey. Aaarrhh youz no wot dis means, yep dat right weez got a serial trophy snatcher in our mists. Ooh sumone tell Aunty Neece. Me Bond skills may have to go to work eh

Chow Zar

It's been quite some time since I've had a GSD around the house, and I had in some way forgotten just how much hair they shed.
Even though Jess is only standard coat, whew, the amount of hair I have just managed to brush from her was amazing!
I think it's time to brush more than a couple of times a week at the moment.
The joys of GSD's blowing their coat!

Get a furminator! Sharni our foster is a plush coat - OMG - what a flamin' mess she makes! And when I do use the furminator it's worse! This is a photo of our back yard after Sharni-boo decided, while I was brushing Shelby, to pull apart the plastic bag I'd collected her fur in! Not only that - she then thought it looked so fluffy and comfortable she rolled in it!

Dad says he wishes he had taken pics when I blew me long coat orf. His whole back porche area was covered in manly long coat fluff.
Best part for me, Mr Bear, was the consistent brushing, luxury that was!! OGB could not even get one side of me done and his brush would be chocka, plus all the stuff he dropped as well, because, as you would understand, it would not be the great Mr Bear who dropped any at all!!

Hey all,

Well I finally managed to work out the whole "video thing" and I made a special little video for Miss Jess.
Have a nosey and let me know what you think. Quite proud of myself really lol. It includes photos already published. But a video works so well!

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/?action=view&current=MissJessie_0001.flv

Well done, You have achieved amazing things with Jessie, she now trusts again and she has a look of contentment rather than pain. You certainly took on an emotional challenge in fostering Jessie and by golly girl you deserve a medal.

I second that Angie. What a wonderful video you put together of Jessie. Just loved watching it.

Sasha's Mum

Wow that is fabulous I love the Paw print in the sand.
Angie you are so clever and Miss Jessie is so beautful.


Jessie is like Sam and JJ just love's water.

Toots

Thanks everyone. I'm very proud of that video, only my second attempt. I'm planning to put it onto a DVD and keeping it as my first foster. Certainly will not forget it!
Especially the hair! My goodness, I swear most of the hair comes from her butt! Well, her flanks really but still, whew....

Just thought I would upload a little video of Miss Jess playing with the sprinkler this evening. Waiting for a little later before going to the beach for her nightly swim basically lol.
Enjoy I hope!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWKa2FnJxlI
(hope it works)

Hey Angie that is so cool. I think you better change your signature line to (permanent foster)

I didn't think of that! But done now. Feel really good now lol

Love the video of Jess Angie. Looks like she really is enjoying it. Way to go Jess.

Sasha's Mum

Oh bless her - you were just meant to her have Angie - and she you! That's the happy girl I remember!! Yay Jessie (the video's not bad either -:)). The only thing that spoiled it is my cranky old PC - if anyone knows how to speed up the buffering process so I can watch a whole video clip in more the 3 second bites(!) I'd appreciate it.

I find that if I watch anything on YouTube, I usually pause the video before it starts and just let it buffer before watching it.

Hey all,

This isn't so much of an update on Miss Jess (even though she is doing so well).
My flatmate's two young girls stayed last weekend when I had been away at the funeral and his youngest adores Jess.
I happened to find a poem she wrote about Miss Jess and just wanted to share it as I absolutely loved it.

JESS THE DOG

Jess, Jess, Jess
She is spectacular, great
Jess, Jess, Jess
Her, I could never have

Jess, Jess, Jess
So sweet like pie
Jess, Jess, Jess
Was treated badly, I wonder why

I'm going to go see her now,
To look at her cute face
My care for her
No one could erase.

Oh Angie thats so sweet.

Sasha's Mum

She certainly steals the hearts of all ages.

WOW that is so lovely, Angie I am so pleased Jess is staying with you as I have watched the video more than once and read all your up dates and you both belong together.
I love Jess paw print in the sand that would lovely printed and framed on your wall lol.
Enjoy your days together and also Charles E.

Toots

Thanks Toots, it's nice to know everyone seems to think she belongs here, I'm sure she does too!
She has definitely made herself back at home, and fairly quickly after arriving. Even stolen her side of the bed again. Tsk tsk lol.

I'll continue updating if that's alright with everyone, especially when she starts agility next month.

Oh yes please I love reading you up dates as I am sure heaps of others do also

Toot

There's always something on this message board that makes my eyes water!

Time for an update on me!!
Yes me, Miss Jess (so my mum calls me, or Princess Jess she reckons).
Wanted to tell everybody bout my weekend away with my mum and skin-kid.
I lovez da car and I was ready to go, way fore mum was! Though Iz gets a bit tired of going for long drives.
First off, we went to a place called Tauranga and Iz gots to see my mum's dad again. He lovez me and finks me so cool. Stayed there for a little while but didnt stay at night cause his lady friend has a dog who wasn't keen on me. Butz I had a drink and stuff before back into da car. And whewz it was hot in dere!
We stopped in anofer town to see a friend of my mums and boy does she have a big house. Lots of grass and big iron gates that open all by themself! Inside was like a kingdom or somefing but we went out the back and they had a pool! I naturally made a beeline for it and boy can my mum run, cause she ran to close the gate so I couldn't go for a swim! Stink! We was there for a while, mum talked and talked, whewz. Back into the car. After awhile, I fink it was a long while actually, but after a while we went round this real looooooong corner, I was lopsided in the back for abit!
Then whewz all da smells! Da windows was down and one side was lots of hills and trees (great for exploring as all us dogs know) and on da other side was da biggest, and I mean biggest and longest swimming pool I has ever see'd!
I wanted to go swimming but Mum said no cause it was getting late and I would be too soggy for a long time.
Went to my mum's nanas place and I likeded her! She snuck me icecream when mum wasn't lookin'. Well me fought mum wasnt lookin!
I was pooped after dat day, then today did the same thing but at another house and lots of skin-kids was playing with me and a mega big basketball. I couldn't pick it up very well...
Now finally home, and I is tuckered out. Had a little lie down in da paddle pool, now im going to have a GSD nap, with one eye keeping watch!

Oh Jess ,
Sam and JJ love your updates as they get to wash my face for the tears .
I have 10 plasters on on body s I had 10 cancer cells removed on friday and my Sam and JJ are so carefully with me its unbelivedable

Tanz my 18 year old grandaughter who lives with us took the girls ) dogs ) to the park for fun and boy I wish I was 18th again

Night Jess from Sam and JJ



tOOTS

Ah bless Jess - love you heaps pretty girl!

Hey everyone!
Well, it's been an interesting couple of weeks. Charlie is holidaying, so to speak in Manurewa the past week, while Jess has been here with me.
Looking at a house tomorrow in Stillwater that allows animals. Previous tenant had two pitbulls, so thinking we're pretty safe there with our two!
Just a little update with a few pictures, will add the link.
Went to the gypsy fair in Gulf Harbour this weekend and saw this cool bandanna collar for Jess that I just had to buy!

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

Cripes, you sure do have fun on your outings, pity your mum would not let you in either pool tho cause that is wot a GSD needs on a hot day, eh?
Still, sounds like fun outings.
Keep havin that fun
Cheers big Ears
Mr Bear 641

Hey all,

It has been a long while since I have posted an update on Miss Jess. And considering she has received a new toy, only bought today I thought I would put up the link for photobucket.
We were in Mitre 10 Mega and I saw this tennis ball that I just knew she would love, so of course I had to get it.
Also pictures on the album of the new house and her settling in on new bed!

http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/CodiPup/Jessie/

What a hoot, the look on her face is classic. I got one of those a while back for Hogan, Lasted about 5 mins, but it was 5 minutes of great fun.

Oh yeah, she punctured it pretty quick but its still something she wants to play with!