This past weekend produced some unseasonably warm temperatures in Kansas City. So, the combination of warmer weather and Boomer's improvement around the house and on the leash in the back yard, we thought it was a perfect time to take him out on his first walk around the neighborhood. And MAN did Boomer shine!
For those of you who aren't familiar with Boomer's story, Boomer was a dog that was rescued from a horrible hoarding situation in Northern Oklahoma back in December. The owner had over 100 dogs that were confiscated for neglect. Boomer was one of the several dogs that was saved because of the work of several rescue groups including MABBR and Bad Rap.
Anyway, he did really well following the lead around the neighborhood. He seemed to really enjoy the other sites and smells.
Overall, Boomer is doing well. He still gets anxious sometimes in several areas of the house that he spent the most time during his first two weeks at the house. He seems to associate those areas with the fear/anxiety/pain he had when he first arrived. We're trying to work him through that. He also still struggles on our hardwood floors and seems unsure of the footing.
Meanwhile, in new places and carpeted places, he is great. He loves our other dogs and is doing really well. Hopefully the warmer weather wil hold which will allow us more time outdoors to work with him.
For the pictures, the first pic is Boo waiting for us to get the other dogs ready for the walk. The second is Boomer walking (day 2, he didn't need a jacket on the second walk). Pic 3 is him taking a short rest in the leaves...leaves are fun. Pic 4 is him resting after the walk while we cleaned off the dogs' toes and took off their jackets before going inside.
Donna over at Bad Rap also has an update on one of the dogs they brought back from Oklahoma.
These last two pics are a couple of Boomer in Oklahoma. I hadn't seen these yet and thought I'd share them. Boomer is the one hiding in the barrell in the back in this pic. He was apparently the furthest dog out. The next pic is a closer up pic of him -- notice the huge chain he's on.
On a related note, the trial for Jerry Lee Southern, the man who owned the dogs, has been set for April 17th.
Boomer is doing very well...
I will continue to offer updates.
This is wonderful, and the pics are great. I especially love the last one, where it looks as though he's made himself right at home lounging against the porch rail! It's so rewarding to see a fearful dog come out of their shell and start enjoying things, like laying in a pile of leaves, or sniffing the air on a walk, or simply being in the company of other dogs and the humans that love them. Great update!
Posted by: linskykitty | January 22, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Just wanted to clarify my message above, talking about my favorite pic, of course I was referring to the last photo that you took, in his little jacket, not the atrocious pics from OK.
Posted by: linskykitty | January 22, 2009 at 01:21 PM
What a beautiful dog! I'm glad he's in good hands.
Posted by: Selma | January 22, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Here's to Boomer! May he spend the rest of his days confident, relaxed and fulfilled.
Any idea on his lineage?
Posted by: Donovan | January 22, 2009 at 04:37 PM
LK,
He does still get nervous from time to time -- you can see in that first picture that he is a little nervous in front of the door. But he sure has come a long way since we first got him and based on where he came from.
Donovan, his lineage = dog....that's as much as we know. But "dog" is good enough for me any day :)
Posted by: Brent | January 22, 2009 at 04:46 PM
He's very cute and looks like he could use a new leash! Custom bully breed leashes and collars here www.blockydogs.com. The owner does an awesome job and in huge demand. Her big thing has been to police dogs even internationally and she is right here in Ohio...end of plug :)
Posted by: Marc | January 22, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Ooh what a sweetie! Brent & Michelle thanks for taking on this dog and giving him the skills to move onto his forever home.
Posted by: KC KS Kills Dogs | January 22, 2009 at 05:53 PM
WONDERFUL...
Seeing actuall pics of Boo before, how he used to live, and now see how great and happy he is, it really hits you.
It's such a great thing you guys are doing for him.
He's just adorable!
Posted by: Kara | January 22, 2009 at 10:43 PM
What a cute, fantastic looking little boy -- I could just eat him up! Sheesh, I would snatch him up in a minute if I only could. What a living doll!
Michelle and Brent, IF you are not able to keep him, I am sure there is someone out there who would do the same! (meaining snatch him up)
Thank you both so much for introducing us to Boo and for helping some of us to sleep a little better at nite. You guys are awesome -- NO less!
Posted by: Becky | January 22, 2009 at 11:51 PM
SORRY, I almost forgot to comment on his darling jacket. It looks fabulous on him! I'm betting he turns out to be one in a million!
Posted by: Becky | January 22, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Boomer's no doubt a keeper - not that anyone needs to tell you that, and it sounds like he's slowly but surely getting accustomed to a well-deserved, good life.
That wooden floor fear is a hard one to fix. It's like after a few weeks their anxiety dies down but then one little slip and, boom, it's full on again. We gave in and just carpeted all the main traffic areas with runners.
Posted by: Fred | January 23, 2009 at 03:50 PM
A couple of key points:
1) We're FOSTERING Boomer. He's a great dog. No doubt a keeper for someone. But there is no room at the Inn for another full-time dog in our household. When he's ready, he will be going up for adoption.
2) Thanks Becky on the coat. I love that coat, although it's been chewed on a bit and is way too big for little Boomer. But it was cold and we thought he'd appreciate it.
3) Marc, I chuckled about your leash comment. It's seen a fair share of fosters -- and a couple of them were a little hard on leashes at first. It's still strong though...so we keep using it. But eventually, I may have to pay your friend's website a visit :)
Posted by: Brent | January 23, 2009 at 04:08 PM
No we are not keeping him. Herman & Purrrcy said they would start pooping in the plants if we didn't find him a new home soon!
And yeah, after loosing several very good leashes the foster dogs get the ghetto leash until they prove they can handle a nice one.
Posted by: MichelleD | January 23, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Awwwww! Boomer is so cute!!!! What a doll! Thanks for taking him in Michelle and Brent! He is in the best hands!
Posted by: Angel | January 25, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Jerry Lee Southern? That sounds like a fake name. Personally, I wouldn't trust anyone named Jerry Lee Southern. Glad Boomer is doing well!
Posted by: BrianC | January 27, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Ha - -I know Brian. Every time I hear the name it sounds like a main character off of the Dukes of Hazard.
Posted by: Brent | January 27, 2009 at 05:32 PM