Many of the dogs in our care are not very used to either people or dogs other then in their foster home. They are skittish, scared of new things.  That’s why we decided to started small “socializing” groups of fosters and their dogs. Our fostermom Brenda was willing to lead the group. The purpose of these get togethers/pack walks is to let the dogs get used to ‘strange’ dogs, people, spaces and sounds by meeting a couple of times at different locations.

It turned out great!

When the first meeting started, all dogs were a bit shy but curious for the other dogs. For example Callista and Kappa are good with people, but not always friendly towards other dogs from the start. After introducing them slowly to the other dogs, it went well. Callista even started to give kisses to the other dogs. Pitbull mix Fóa wasn’t very interested in the other dogs, but when passing each other she did show some interest by sniffing the other dogs. Bowie is very skittish for people, but he did well. Didn’t hide, just stayed close to his foster and even sniffed the hands of the other fosters!

 

It was such a success that we are starting two more groups with our other dogs!

Nov 28 Wednesday foster meeting:

Today we had a bit of a ‘strange’ group. Dog Fóa joined us, but in the meantime she has been adopted by her fosters. As the family has some more ‘foster failures’, they took 2 other dogs who could use some more socializing. Which was good for the dogs themselves, but also for the group. Besides Fóa, Callista also got adopted! She will go to her forever home on Saturday, so she could join us one more time to have some more experience. Bowie and Karah also joined, but they are not adopted yet. With the 6 dogs we did the same route as last week. The dogs who joined us last week too were definitely more relaxed than last week. We started walking on the sidewalk in front of the hotels. There is traffic on the road next to the sidewalk and we were passing some people. Even a bike passed us, so more practice. We also passed a few shops and restaurants with loud music. All dogs did well while passing all these new sounds. We made a left turn to the beach and there is more noise on the beach. People laying on their beach chairs or sitting at the beach bar talking to each other. All new sounds and people for the dogs. Great walk!

Nov 29 Thursday foster meeting.

Today we had a small group to meet. Due to a flat tire 2 dogs couldn’t make it and as Kappa is being fostered at the SPF house, she just walked around during the meeting. Roxy and Clyde made some progress compared to last week. Walking on a leash was a bit better, the treats of foster mommy Liz definitely helped 😀.

Volunteer Irina picked up Kiwi who is boarded at Doghotel to join us too. Kiwi can walk on the leash very well and is used to people. She is up for adoption. After some walking in the garden, we also introduced the puppies staying at the house. All dogs were doing very well with the puppies.

 

 

 

Palm Beach Walk January 5, 2019 with the @wanderlustjetsetter Rescue Mission Group of 25 volunteers. Thank you @demiangibbsphotography for the beautiful pictures.

 

 

 

January 9, 2019 with a couple of participants of the @wanderlustjetsetter group.

Saturday Feb 23