Smokey The Dog

 

This morning we assessed Smokey. He is a kind, one year old, one hundred and thirty pound, white, black, and tan colored, German Shepherd/Husky Mix. Smokey was instantly curious upon arriving at The Fort. He ventured into the Big roll, where he began his jaunt, sniffing around a lot, and wagging his tail joyfully. It was as if he knew, he would be in for a good morning. We introduced Smokey to several different pack members, and he greeted them in a very healthy and calm manner. He was adept at canine communication, seemingly happy to greet any dog interested in him. Given his personality, it is clear that Smokey goes to the Steilacoom Dog Park to socialize on a regular basis. Although he didn't do much "play" in the classical sense, Smokey moved about the Big Roll at a steady pace, with what appeared to be a smile on his face. He has a bit of an "Alpha Presence", and is a jolly, yet regal, fella. It will be neat if he decides to play, however he's getting a lot out of Dog Daycare with his current actions. We are happy to have Smokey at Fort Fido anytime.

Enjoy that weekend,

-Grant

-Salutiferous Stasha-

We were delighted to assess the ever-so-clever "Stasha" this morning. She is a rowdy, five month old, thirty-five pound, Siberian Husky. Miss Stasha stayed with us in our Medium Roll. At this time, the Medium Roll, is flush with young, high-energy, and good-time having canines. So for the time being, the Medium Roll is extremely fitting for Stasha. She truly loved her stay here at The Fort today, and got a lot out of it! The bright and striking Stasha, played hard with many different pack members. Taking a rather special liking to Sierra, Chance, and Shadow, among others. Stasha is welcome to attend Fort Fido anytime. We hope to visit with her again soon! The clips that follow, show a bit of Stasha in her element.

Take care,

-Grant

Northern Exposure

Well, girls will be girls...

Especially when it's Juno (Grey Husky) and Zoey (Red Husky) in the mix at The Fort...

A blast of winter-weather, always seems to whip are Northern Breeds into a blizzardy good mood LOL. Seriously!

Cheers,

-Grant

_ Jubilant Juno _

We have had a string of success with new-dog assessments lately! Yesterday's assessment, Juno, was no exception. She is a gorgeous, five year old, sixty-five pound, Siberian Husky. Although hard to believe, given her exceptional disposition and fluent dog-speak, Juno is a "rescue dog". Her owner got her from Adopt A Husky, and boy did he score! Juno did fabulous with the Big Roll pack here at Fort Fido. It is quite obvious that she has socialized with a group of dogs before. Juno was definitely in her element being with the pack. Jake and Flash were two of her favorite playmates. After ripping around hard with them, and others, Juno would gracefully rest herself, rather than get "cranky". Nobody would ever have guessed that it was her first day at The Fort, she conducted herself like a well-seasoned veteran. Well done Juno! You are a pleasure of a dog that is welcome anytime.

This short clip pretty much sums up Juno's play-style. It sounds feisty but it is all in good fun lol!



Cheers,

-Grant
P.S. Just a note, Juno's owner, John, owns and operates Summit Strength and Conditioning in University Place. Check 'em out!

The Real Mackenzie

It's always fun to reference a great band lol but I digress...

Meet Mackenzie! She is a beautiful, eight year old, seventy-six pound, Husky/Great Dane Mix. Mackenzie is a very neat looking canine. She is mostly black and white, with a hint of brown on her legs and across her back. Mackenzie spent the morning in the Big Roll and she did quite well. Although she didn't play, she was a nice addition to the pack. Her cool, calm, collectedness was a breath of fresh air. Mackenzie didn't mind the other dogs and she seemed quite content hanging out with the pack. Fine job today Mackenzie, we will see you on Friday!

Take it easy,

-Grant

Spittin' bout da Spitz

Haha, what a tittle, sounds like some type of rap album. Bone thugs, "Dawg" related lol, definitely not canine related but the next image is:

What exactly is this group of Spitz-types doing? Run you little hedgehogish fella! Gary has one of those haha...

Mollie, one of The Fort's many Spitz pups.

My mom, Nancy, was researching Spitz Breeds (some of her favorites) over the weekend and I learned many things from her about them. I had no idea there were so many breeds that fell into this category. We have a number of Spitz-types at Fort Fido including; Huskies, Malamutes, American Eskimos, Akitas, Samoyeds, Pomeranians and Basenjis, just to name a few. The defining characteristics of the canines in this group are, a very fox or wolf-like appearance, with pointy ears and tails that curl up onto the back.

Now, to the best part of Nancy's research. After thumbing through our dog books and visiting numerous websites, she stumbled upon this day-making gem.

Performing Japanese Spitz



Wow! This had me cracking up... If only I could find a half-dozen more American Eskimos... Got a good start with Buddy and Mollie hahaha!

Take it easy,

-Grant

Hello Monday

(Unfortunately the quality on this pic isn't that great, had to be scanned, it's an old one. Either way, this Big Mama tipped the scales at 160 pounds!)

Just a few article-links found this afternoon, enjoy!

After duty, dogs suffer like soldiers (Very sad, I most definitely believe it.)

Pooch has ruff time delivering 15 puppies (Whoa! Good thing you didn't have to do that Miura lol. Hard to believe it isn't even close to the record of 24, held by a Neapolitan Mastiff. We had one of those here at The Fort for awhile. She was a sweet yet tricky to handle gal named Olivia. Let's just say, she knocked one of us over once real good hahaha.)

Dogs of WWII (Interesting stuff here.)

Dog missing for eight years to be reunited with family (Now that's a holiday tale!)

Why do dogs howl at harmonicas? ( Funny, I know many pooches that do this... Not Gibson, however, it's easy to get most Huskies going... Marco Polo in particular.)

Dangerous dog policy in Pierce County deemed unconstitutional (Hmmm, this one is opening up a whole can of worms for sure.)


Scored a clip from the Xmas parade, in Enumclaw, the band and I attended. See if you can spot me. Here's a clue, I'm very Elf-Like hahaha. Sometimes ya just gotta go all out.



Take it easy,

-Grant

CLIP CLIP NEWS

Here from the Big Roll, Mr. McGee (a brindle Boxer) and Marco Polo (David and Nancy's Husky) are having a rip-roaringly good time.



In the Medium Roll we see that wily new Cooper (Pug) having a blast with young Vizsla pup Phoebe.



Cheers,

-Grant
P.S. A couple neat links I found today: 12-Year-Old With Epilepsy Can Bring Service Dog To School , Dog Trapped Six Feet Underground Rescued & Elvis The Dog Helps Students Learn Calculus.

Cool clip and a funny link!

In this clip we have new Fort Fido friend Zoey having a blast with Romeo.




In other news, this had me rolling! Warning, it's dog related potty humor! :)~

Take it easy,

-Grant

Welcome Basli and Zoey ! !

We had two more assessments early this morning.

Basli is a striking, one year old, 80 pound, Bernese Mountain Dog. She had a great time in the Big Roll! Basli was a little hesitant at first but as soon as more dogs started coming in she was all over it! The pack can have that effect. :)

Our second assessment was Zoey. She is a beautiful, two year old, 45 pound, Red Siberian Husky. Zoey took to the pack quickly, having a blast in the Medium Roll.

Have a nice weekend (fingers crossed for sun)!

-Grant





P.S. I found two neat articles this morning too, check 'em out! 1 & 2.