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DIESEL
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STATE:  CT
AGE:  2 yrs
DOB: 1/11/08 
WEIGHT:  70 lbs 
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes  
COAT COLOR:  Fawn w/blk mask
DOCKED TAIL:  Yes  
CROPPED EARS: No
CHILDREN UNDER 4: No
CHILDREN OVER 4:  Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY:No
OTHER DOGS: Too soon to tell
CATS:  NO
CRATE TRAINED: Yes
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes  
LEASH TRAINED: Yes 
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: Basics 
MICROCHIPPED: Yes
ADOPTION FEE: $320 (includes $20 microchip fee)
UPDATE 6/13/10 - It has been an interesting week since we brought Diesel home.  First of all, it was a 2 1/2 hour car ride home, and about 5 minutes away from home, he lost his lunch! 

We proceeded to introduce Diesel to our 1 yr old boxer, Nessie, by walking together down the street.  All went well, and we returned home to continue the process of introducing his new home.  With leashes off, Nessie was ready to dive right into play with Diesel.  He wasn't so sure, and acted a little timid.  A little while later, he snapped at her inside the house when she got too close, but backed off with just a clap and a, "Hey!" from me.  This happened a few more times, sometimes unprovoked, and we gave him some crate time so he could feel a little safer. 

The next morning, our daughter brought Diesel's favorite toy in from the car and gave it a squeak.  Both Nessie and Diesel came running, but Diesel wasted no time pinning Nessie to the ground and letting her know it was his toy.  From then on, there was constant tension - Nessie was afraid to walk by Diesel; he would guard the stairs, his food, his crate, and she couldn't walk in any of those directions.  He would give her a look, and her tail would go down and she'd walk a different direction.  At this point, we were thinking it may not work out with Diesel - perhaps he would be best for a one-dog family.  But we spoke with our trainer and she gave a few good recommendations, which we immediately put into practice.  We also continued to walk them together over and over throughout the day so they could bond.  When they were walking, they were great - they'd even share a stick.  But back inside the house, Diesel would become territorial again. 

On the third day, Diesel finally responded to Nessie's urging and actually played back with her - play bowing, chasing in circles.  It was a huge turning point, and so adorable.  He was still a little rude about letting her know when he was done, but we felt hopeful that we could work with him. 

The next day, we allowed them to play with tennis balls simultaneously so there would be no jealousy, and they did well for about 20 minutes, then toys were removed. 

The next day, my husband introduced the giant tug-of-war rope, which he pulled with both dogs, and then let go so they were playing by themselves.  They had a great game of tug-of-war for about 20 minutes.  Diesel snapped at Nessie when he was done and wanted the rope all for himself.  We corrected him and removed the rope, but felt this was another milestone of them being able to get along. 

The next day, there was more play outside - lots of it, with Diesel visibly becoming more and more comfortable and confident with this playtime and with Nessie.  It was as though he had never boxed before, and he was so enjoying it. 

The next day's big victory was playing together inside the house.  They would jump up on the bed and play king-of-the-hill with one on the bed and one on the floor, then wrestle and spar like crazy.  With each day, their play time has increased naturally, and the tension has gone away.  They walk in close proximity and there are no airs; they drink out of the same water bowl when they are done playing; they lick each other's mouths; they lay down together and share the leather couch.  They have clearly bonded and become pals.  Watching them play together is hilarious. 

One week after bringing Diesel home, we brought him to the vet for his constant squinting.  He does have dry eye, though no ulcerations, and is in some pain because of it.  We are currently treating him with antibiotics and artificial tears.  We will also be starting him on drops that we hope will eventually reverse his condition so that he will start producing his own tears.

Diesel hasn't yet eaten much at any given meal.  He was initially so distracted, and it has improved some but I would like to see him eat a full meal at once.  He also has a funny habit of tipping his food bowl and spilling it onto the floor quite deliberately!

We are so thrilled that the adjustment time with Nessie has made the difference for Diesel because he is such a well temperamented dog in every other way.  The vet was so impressed with his calm, good behavior - he even laid down on the scale (weighing in at 72.4), and handled getting those drops in his eyes and a Lyme shot so gracefully! 

We had a good test of Diesel's demeanor when our 4 yr old lost her balance and fell off the bottom step right onto Diesel, who was laying at the bottom of the steps.  He jumped up and out of the way, but no growl or snap or any concerning behavior.

Diesel will occasionally stand up and put his paws on your chest, particularly if asked, but does it ever so gently.  He will also do this when he is in a sitting position, and it is so sweet.  He is a soft, handsome boy (love his big block head), and very obedient.  When Nessie ran across the yard toward a passing dog and Diesel followed (we have the invisible fence but have not yet fully trained Diesel), he stopped dead in his tracks when called, turned around, and came back.  He has barked a few times when strangers come up the driveway or to the front door, and he'll stand with his nose on the glass door and do these mini woofs when Daddy comes home.  Very cute!  We are very glad we took the chance on Diesel.  He has adjusted well over the last nine days, and he seems so content here with his new pack - human and canine alike!

6/5/10 - I was adopted today!

5/22/10 - On Thursday it was take your foster to work with you, so Diesel came along with me.  I do this so we can see how their car manners are.  Diesel is very good in the car.  Although we left about an hour after his breakfast and had about a 45 minute drive to my first customer when I came back to the car he lost his breakfast.  The rest of the day was fine and  he is very good in the car.  No barking just waiting for you to come back.  Even if people came up to the car there was not a sound out of him loves his head out the window but once on the highway he will settle down and sleep.  Since he was so good on Friday I treated him to a spa day.  I almost did not get him back as they all feel in love with him.  When I called to see how he was doing one of the workers told me he was zonked out in the crate.  He smells so good now.  It would be a good time to come and get him.......  He is waiting for his forever family.  He whispered to me;;; I hope they pick me..... He is one special boy.

5/17/10  Diesel continues to be a great addition and has fit right in very easily to my routine, as I am sure the same will happen to whomever adopts him.  The most energized he gets is when he is let out of his crate and goes right outside to run and jump some of his built-up energy off.  That is when young kids could get knock down.  Other than that, Diesel will be fine with children.
We were outside yesterday playing in the front yard and neighbors came out to talk and, although he did not greet them, he stayed in the front yard as I walk across the street to socialize with them.  He just watched me.  He preferred to just stay in his yard.  Such a good boy... As of yet, I have still not heard him bark and continues to stay off the furniture. 


5/14/10  I meet Diesel on Sunday and he wanted nothing to do with me.  In fact, he would not even look at me nor come into my house.  Once in the house, I ignored him and within two minutes, he sniffed me and we were BFF's.  Can I tell you just how easy this boy is...... He lives to be with you and when you need to leave he waits patiently for you to return.  I tried gating him in my kitchen to see how he would do and the first day he did fine.  A few items were on the floor from the counter but no harmed the second date he jumped the gate and was sleeping in my bed.  Nothing in the house was touched.  He also is very good in the crate.  Just wanted you to have your option.  He does not bolt out the door and if he does go out with you will stay right by your side will wonder a little to do his business but comes as soon as you call him.  Diesel is so much more comfortable being with you as unknown things scare him a little.  So when we walk he is always looking around to see that nothing is going to get him that he just can not enjoy the walk that much, but maybe with time and knowing your area that could change.  So we play in the back yard where he is so much fun.  Loves his balls and toys and when play time is over loves his bed to be near you.  He has not tried to get on any furniture so come get him before he learns how comfy  the couch  is.  He will not accost your company when they enter your home but if you let him make friends on his own terms he is great.  I had a plummer over and within five minutes Diesel sniffed him and all was well.  As of yet I have not heard him bark....I am going to say it one more time this boy will fit into your life so very easily.  He is such a dream....

5/8/10  Diesel continues to be a wonderful playful companion.  He has the absolute funniest disposition that I think I've seen in a dog in a long time.  If I'm outside, he wants to be outside. If I'm inside he wants to be inside. If I want to take him for a walk, he wants me to take him for a car ride.  This boy LOVES the car. Head out the window, jowls a flappin '... just pure joy for this guy.  He will migrate into my seat if I leave him in there while I run into the store (weather here has been nice enough to do that); and I really think he is thinking... "if only my feet could reach those pedals, I could drive this think myself and hang out the window at the same time.".   He has acclimated to the crate nicely and will go right in if I ask him to do so - he gets the idea that tasty morsels will drop from the sky when he does that.  He does not need to be crated though as he is fully housebroken, has not even attempted to surf the counter and hasn't stuck his nose anywhere it should not be - circumstances in this house however require crating for periods.
As for his comedy routine... when he goes outside he immediately grabs the nearest toy, and then play bows to me and wiggles his butt.... then off he goes for a lap and then back for me to throw whatever he has.  Sometimes, he doesn't want to give up his prize and so I turn and walk away, just to find myself being bumped in the back of the legs by his toy and his head... makes me laugh.  He sits nicely for his meals, sits for the toy to be thrown, and has the softest mouth for treats.  He is moving to Connecticut tomorrow to be fostered in a home where he will be the main focus, where he can continue to relax, feel safe and blossom. Diesel will need a strong leader who will let him feel secure so that he can be the dog that he is.  I am going to miss him.

4/26/10    Diesel really is such a good/sweet boy. Really is a good boy. Yesterday, I took him for a car ride and to do some errands.  He is great in the car.  I went to a shopping center that is fairly busy and after I went into Petco (alone), I took him out to walk him on the sidewalk.  We stood still for a while off to the side, people /cars going by... he was nervous... a little crouched at the hind legs... standing very very close. He won't sit when he's on leash outside and there are things going on.  We continued to walk and he stayed by me... but looking, looking... nub straight out not up...not completely tucked.  He was fine going by automatic doors, lady walking with a cane. people sitting on benches with bags..... I walked him right up to a shopping cart and then around the cart, with him NEXT to it, he was fine... I walked him with me pushing a cart... he was fine....every few steps looking up at me with his big tongue hanging out for reassurance. He does much better in open field situations - even on leash... he has much more fun (but then again, so do I!).
     This was the best part... He's in the way back of my SUV... He's watching out the back window.. just sitting / watching.... and I had my windows partly open so air was flowing back there. I looked in the rear view mirror and he had his nose straight up in the air like Snoopy when he dances... smelling the air... back and forth his nose went, again like Snoopy when he dances (can you hear the Charlie Brown music?)  I loved watching that... and his wrinkles were gone.... his head was finally relaxed. When he went back to looking out the window, his ears were lower, his head was flat.  It was momentary, but boy did it make me happy.  He really likes the car. Because of his eyes though I wouldn't put him in the back seat, he would've stuck his head out the window.  
     He needs a home where he can relax and and have fun without worry.  Oh and get this… he doesn’t mind the rain too much… downpours yes…. But a little rain hasn’t stopped him from wanting to play fetch.

4/25/10 - Diesel continues to be a wonderful mush boy.  When he comes out of his crate, he spins, and play bows and (yes jumps), with joy. He is perfectly content and seems to prefer to play with any available human who might wish to throw any one of the following… rope, tennis ball, soccer ball, basketball (deflated of course);  Kong;  (Diesel here:  Anything that can be thrown, I’ll go get – and bring it back too!).  He does do some toy guarding, but not aggressively.  He will cover the soccer ball/rope/basketball with his front paws and lay down…we are working on “Leave It”  it with a treat to the side, and he will leave the ball for the tasty morsel (which he takes very gently).   If he has a tennis ball/rope in his mouth, and you grab it, at the word “Release”, he cannot open his mouth any faster, you could almost flick it out with a finger.  If you claim the toy (ala Cesar Milan), he will, after a few nudges of your feet, walk away. Really a very good easy boy – and very very smart and trainable. 
     He is still a little unsure and seemingly nervous of my two resident dogs and so I continue to keep them separated but they do meet and sniff nose to nose at the screen door, and they walk up to and past his crate without incident or apparent over interest from either side.  They have met briefly on leash with some varying results.  I know that Diesel was in a home with much smaller dogs since a puppy and we don’t know what his exposure and or socialization with large dogs was – this may be just an adjustment period.  I have one very dominant female and one submissive male and so he is getting a bunch of different/mixed signals from them both - so for everyone's comfort level we've kept them separated. 
     He eats very well, but likes to see you watching him, and with time, this will pass - I've had that with every foster that's been an owner surrender.  He does like to put his head in any available lap for a rub (especially behind the ears) and does give nice smooches.  He is fine with getting his eyes wiped with a soft wet cloth and is extremely receptive to lubricating drops twice a day.  (I wish my dogs were so easy with that). He sits nicely to accept his walking collar (Martingale) and leash (despite his wiggling bottom),  he sits before coming out of his crate, he sits before eating.  And the ABSOLUTE BESTEST  part … is that he wiggles when we walk into the room… gets me every time..  If you are looking to have a best buddy who doesn’t have to share you with any other canines/felines – Diesel would be ideal…. He will definitely steal your heart, as he has ours.

4/18/10 - I took Diesel out for a long walk/run today.  He was a perfect gentleman. No halter; no harness; no gentle leader.... just his regular collar. He didn't pull, he didn't yank my arm; he walked next to me nicely occassionally crossing in front of me and when we started to run, he ran right next to me... except every now and then he had to pop up to show me how high he can jump. We were by a high school that had a soccer game going on, practice, little kids, and full tennis courts. He didn't pay attention to any of it.  He did find a tennis ball that he wanted to keep however. He loves balls... tennis, soccer, deflated basketball. He would be great for someone who runs daily.... perfect jogging companion.  We are thinking however that he should be the only dog in his home.  He does love his people though, and is NOT fond of his crate.

4/17/10 Diesel was "sprung" from the shelter yesterday, as an owner surrender. He has been here less than 24 hours, has met both resident boxers, has enjoyed two meals with the pack with the appropriate decorum and manners and spent the night in his own comforter lined crate (He wasn't too happy about that part of it).  I'm pretty sure the rest however he is a-o-k  with. He is a tall boy with a big block head.   He has a little pink triangle where the nose meets the fur - very very cute. His paws are big and he is too skinny for my liking.  We can see all of his ribs and that's not good - so we will work on fattening him up a little.  He has zero food aggression and will wait until told he can go to his dish. He has no issues with having his paws wiped, ears handled, mouth inspected.  All in all just a wonderful boy thus far.   He has spent the better part of the past 24 hours when not sleeping keeping one eye on me, and pacing pacing pacing.  Last night at about 10 he finally fell asleep in the middle of the kitchen floor... of course we had company and we were all sitting in there. 

Now, for why Diesel is in rescue.  This boy was adopted by his family as a puppy. They also had two very small dogs one of which was 5 at the time... fast forward two years later small dog is now 7  and Diesel is now 70 lbs and is playing with one of his house mates.... apparently a little to roughly (unbeknownst to him) and the unfortunate happened.  So... off he went to the shelter - they were done with him. He got the short end of the stick in that deal.  Unlike my boxers, when he retrieves a toy... he actually brings it back!   He has some eye squinting and minor discharge and we think it's a case of dry eye, nothing that some drops and/or ointment won't control.  Two vets have diagnosed "dry eye" after doing all the appropriate eye stain testing.

So, for now.. I'll enjoy having a boxer that brings back a ball when I throw it. How cool is that?!   I do hope that he get's his second chance soon...he's a great boy.
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