Sunday, August 26, 2012

Holly Update

It's been almost a year already since Holly left the shelter to come and live with us here in her "forever home."  Every day we're treated to her happy smiles.

Holly did very well in her scholarly pursuits at PSU (Pet Smart University).  An additional benefit is that we learned quite a bit about dog training too ("it's all about the treats!")  I only wish that we had taken our previous three dogs to obedience school.  I would recommend this training to anyone who gets a new dog -- and even though Holly was 3 years old when she started school, she was a fast and excellent learner.  I believe more classes are probably in her future.

Holly would like us to look around for a doggie driver's education class......

We have found out over the past year that Holly is a champion napper.  What a difference from the three  energetic German Shorthaired Pointers we had as pets prior to Holly!  Holly does have her high energy moments, but mostly she's really laid back.  Holly will nap by herself......

but she actually prefers napping with her people!  She's usually right between us at night.

Holly also enjoys afternoon naps  -- especially on the couch with her mom!

We didn't know Holly was a lap dog when we got her, but she's gotten her dad trained to help her up on his lap when he sits down.

Holly loves to play.  This is a "soccer" game she plays with us in the kitchen when we're washing dishes.  She brings a toy over by the sink and then she stands in the doorway while we try to kick it past her.  This is Holly's "goalie" stance.

I'm having a lot of fun dressing Holly up.  I discovered lots of cute doggy apparel and accessories at BaxterBoo.com.  They even carry Holly's "big girl" sizes.  Holly's a pretty good sport about wearing everything I buy for her -- even though she won't appreciate the benefits of this hoodie keeping her ears warm until the colder weather gets here.

When we have Holly out in public (which we try to do as often as possible), everyone always comments on what a pretty dog she is.  We think she's quite beautiful and have never experienced (knock on wood) any negative comments from people because she's a pitbull.  She's very friendly to people of all ages and sizes and I'm always thrilled when little kids come over to pet her and she gives them a "kiss."  (She's a super kisser!)  Every day is a new opportunity for us to help change people's minds about the negative, "vicious pitbull" stereotype.

When we adopted Holly, we had to sign a Dog Adoption Contract.  One of the points we had to agree to is as follows, "I agree to provide this animal with.......loving, humane treatments at all times."  I think we've accomplished that and Holly has paid us back ten-fold with joy and happiness every day.

Here's a little video of Holly at her tail-waggin' best.....

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

We just LOVE her!!!

Ruth said...

She is not a stereotypical Pit Bull for sure. Nevertheless, she would not be allowed to live in many communities in our province, including our city. Goes to show that a dog treated with love responds with the same.

Mama Pea said...

Holly is one VERY lucky dog! She sure knew how to pick her forever home!!

RuthieJ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RuthieJ said...

If this is my anonymous Sissy, Holly loves you back!

Thanks Ruth. I feel very fortunate that we don't live in a city or area where breed specific legislation is in effect and it's unfortunate that such rules have to be in effect, because I believe it's really a small minority of pit bull owners that have ruined it for all of the "bully breed" dogs.

Thanks Mama Pea. I think we are the lucky ones!

Gaelyn said...

She is wonderful!

Jayne said...

She has the most expressive face! I love seeing her smiles Ruthie and am so glad she has become such a wonderful addition to your family. :c)

Lisa said...

What a sweet and tender post. You can clearly tell that Holly is well-loved and taken care of. Thank you for updating us. PS love the 'goalie' stance!

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Gaelyn. We think so too!

Thanks Jayne. They say animals don't show expressions, but I think she does too. Mostly all happy.

Thanks Lisa. It's funny how she started that soccer game all by herself! I don't think she liked being left alone while we were out doing dishes. She "trained" us to kick her toy while she was the goalie. And it's really funny how she'll alternate dropping the toy between me and her dad (so no one feels left out). She's such a smart doggeh!

Taos Sunflower said...

Ruthie: Thanks for this joyful report on Holly. She IS beautiful and really does wear her clothes well! You are both great parents and in return, she has rewarded you with all the unconditional love she has. I really hope I get to own a pit bull in this lifetime; the ones I've had the pleasure of knowing have such wonderful personalities. I couldn't be happier for all of you.

Mollie said...

Holly, Holly, Holly. What a great dog. And her goalie stance & that she taught you to play soccer with her--how cool is that? (My cat & I used to play hide and seek!) And I had a good laugh about her being a lap dog & the proof of that. Sure enough! Hugs to you all.

RuthieJ said...

Thank you Martie. Holly has turned out to be probably the best behaved dog we've ever had. I know not everyone has good experiences with shelter dogs, but we were definitely blessed when Holly came to live with us.

Thank you Mollie. Holly is such a clown and has such a happy personality all the time. She makes us laugh every day!