Life With Our Foster Miley

Miley joined us on August 6th severely underweight, scared to death and only 9 months old. During the first 8 months of her life Miley received little to no socialization or training which makes everything seem so much scarier.

Miley is making progress daily, has gained 4 pounds and is a sweetheart. Until Miley can gain more weight it is not even safe for her to be spayed. Getting her to eat was difficult at first; Miley could hardly hold the kibble in her mouth to chew it. It was almost like she didn't know how to eat. After switching her to a grain free diet and adding yummy toppings she slowly started to eat. It was over 10 days before she could actually keep the kibble in her mouth the first time around without continually picking it back up to eat. Broiled chicken, steamed hamburger and steak trimmings are all okay. Miley's favorite by far is canned salmon and the smellier the better, lol. I have a feeling fish will not be on the dinner menu for some time.

Miley no longer shakes in the corner of her crate or jumps off the couch and bolts to the bedroom if you walk by. Miley has even adjusted to Lexi singing and dancing while she is in her crate. Her tail is starting to show itself instead of being tucked between her legs. When she walks her belly isn't as close to the ground anymore. Miley has even started prancing around the backyard showing us that beautiful tail.

One of her favorite times of day and most relaxed is bedtime. Miley will bounce around on my bed and play with Mae West for a little while; then snuggles up next to her or one of the other yorkies.

Here is Miley and Willie cuddling on the couch.

Yesterday I was starting to think her progress was slowing. I guess Miley must have sensed it or something and decided to show me how incorrect my thinking was. Last night while I was lying on the couch, Miley was lying on the pillow above my head and started doing the crocodile play bite to my hand. So I wiggled my fingers a little hoping not to scare her and she continued to play. I was so happy for her that I started crying and she licked my face. It was the first time Miley attempted to play with a human.

Miley still has a lot to learn before she will be comfortable showing that doodle personality we all love. But the more LOVE, PATIENCE and STRUCTURE she gets, the more confident she becomes.

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Comment by Mariah and Josh Judd on September 6, 2011 at 12:34pm: Miley is beautiful! I concur with everyone, you are awesome for all that you are doing to show Miley that she is safe to grow and play and love. I can not wait to see her blossom fully and embrace her own personality!

Comment by Charlotte Jamieson on September 4, 2011 at 2:20pm: Miley and your experience with her is why we love to foster. Of course we fall in love with every foster we have but having a chance to change the life of a little life that probably not have a chance to be loved and give love is exciting. When you find that perfect forever home and hear the excitement in their voice and the joy as they embrace their.new family member you know fostering that pup was the right thing to do, not only for the doodle and their new family but for yourself. I believe it is one of the most rewarding things I have done. I am proud to be part of DRC.

Comment by tracy forgosh on September 2, 2011 at 6:10pm: OMG you are amazing. She is such a beautiful dog and it is so sad to know what a rough start she had in life. Some people just suck and don't deserve to have such an amazing animal. Keep up the great work. The world (dogs) needs more people like you. Thank you for showing Miley love probably for the first time in her life.

Comment by Kathy Janes on September 2, 2011 at 12:13pm: What a beautiful puppy! How could she ever have been so sadly mistreated for so many months. Tina, you are absolutely wonderful to take this little doll in an nurture her back into the living and loving that is her birthright as a doodle. May your patience be overflowing, your love in abundance and your structure come easily. She will be such a reward. And thanks to your other furbabies for generously sharing and teaching with you - they can make such a difference for this little gal!

Comment by Jacquie Yorke - DRC Director on September 2, 2011 at 12:17am: Tina you are AWESOME!....Thank you so much for everything you do for these dogs and for DRC....When we were asked to take Miley we knew that we had to get her to the "miracle workers"...(you and Lexy) Miley has made such incredible progress in such a short amount of time and it is solely because of the patience, love and devotion that you and Lexy have for these poor babies.....Thank you again for being her saviors....: )

Comment by Allyson Sullivan on September 1, 2011 at 4:24pm: Tina, you are awesome!!! Miley is beautiful.

Comment by Karen & Jack on August 31, 2011 at 2:16pm: Thanks for everything you are doing for Miley, Tina. You are the best!

Comment by Doris Light on August 30, 2011 at 6:30pm: I'm starting to think that Leah must have known that I was a newbie-foster mom. She has been so easy, but I do realize now that her tail has been tucked until recently and she really doesn't want to play with me or Knox, who is the same age. Miley is so lucky to have you...

Comment by Kim on August 30, 2011 at 6:00pm: Wow, I thought she was cute in her PF pictures but she is just gorgeous in these pictures. You are doing a remarkable job with her, you've even managed to teach her the crossed paws pose. Thank you!

Comment by Nancy, Ned and Clancy on August 30, 2011 at 4:19pm: Physically she is just beautiful. I am thrilled to hear about the progress you are making with her. You are doing such a wonderful job with her.